As first reported on Tuesday in a PPB Newslink Breaking News alert, IMAGEN Brands, parent company of suppliers Crown Products (PPAI 113430) and Vitronic (PPAI 114197), has hired Paul Lage, MAS, as the Mason, Ohio, company’s new president. Lage replaces Lori Kates, who is leaving to pursue other endeavors. Lage has served as Gill Studios CEO since 2010, after leading BIC Graphic USA and Norwood Promotional Products.

“We are excited to have Paul join our team at IMAGEN Brands,” says David Walker, president and CEO of IMAGEN Brands parent company, EBSCO. “Paul brings a wealth of business experience including years of committed service to the promotional products industry. I look forward to working with Paul and the team at IMAGEN Brands as we continue to invest significantly in this business. We are committed to building a talent driven, customer centric business at IMAGEN Brands. We also wish Lori the best as she pursues other opportunities and thank her for her leadership at IMAGEN Brands.”

Lage adds, “This is a wonderful opportunity with a great company. We look forward to building on all the positive aspects of the company and creating even more exceptional products and experiences.”

Lage has an extensive history in the industry, including serving as PPAI board chair, being named a PPAI Hall of Fame recipient and being chosen as a Counselor magazine Person of the Year.