Field Notes

Jan 08, 2026

Imperial Names Jill Wenk Vice President of Human Resources

Organizational Announcement: Welcoming Jill Wenk to Imperial I am pleased to announce that Jill Wenk, MA, PHR will be joining Imperial as our new Vice President of Human Resources, effective January 5, 2026. Jill is an accomplished Human Resources executive with more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience guiding People Operations, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, and Organizational Development across high‑growth, multi‑site, and global environments. She has a proven track record of building award‑winning cultures, scaling HR infrastructure, and serving as a trusted advisor to executive teams navigating complex organizational change. Most recently, Jill served as Vice President of People at Hennessey Digital, where she led global People Operations for a fully remote workforce spanning 28+ states and 19+ countries. She built a full‑scale HR function from the ground up, transforming the company from a founder‑led startup into a professionally managed, multimillion‑dollar organization. Under her leadership, the company achieved record employee satisfaction scores, significantly reduced turnover, and earned multiple Best Places to Work awards from Inc., Fortune, Titan, and Quartz. Jill’s accomplishments at Hennessey Digital include: Designing scalable human capital strategies that supported rapid growth and seamless post‑acquisition integration. Leading strategic communication and change‑management initiatives that strengthened morale during periods of transformation. Reducing turnover to well below industry benchmarks. Building high‑impact talent management, performance, and career‑pathing frameworks. Designing and overseeing total rewards program, including compensation, benefits, payroll, and compliance across numerous states and jurisdictions. Prior to that, Jill served as Senior Director of Human Resources at True Manufacturing, where she led HR operations for a large, multi‑site manufacturing organization. She drove major operational initiatives, streamlined talent acquisition processes, launched a Learning Management System, and strengthened compliance and employee relations practices across the enterprise. Earlier in her career, Jill held HR leadership roles at NISA Investment Advisors, where she successfully led the organization through a federal OFCCP audit with zero findings and built foundational HR systems, policies, and compliance programs. Jill holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Development and Leadership and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Louis University. She also maintains her PHR certification, has completed extensive professional training, and is certified in Predictive Index assessments. Jill is known for her strategic clarity, people‑first leadership style, and ability to build high‑performance cultures rooted in transparency, accountability, and trust. Her expertise will be instrumental as Imperial continues to strengthen its talent strategy, elevate employee experience, and support our next phase of growth. Please join me in welcoming Jill to Imperial. We are excited for the leadership, partnership, and change management expertise she will bring to our organization.   Jeremy CEO
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Jan 07, 2026

Imperial Names Jane Smith Vice President of Marketing

BOURBON, MO – Imperial, a CPC company, a market leader in the design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of headwear and apparel has appointed Jane Smith as Vice President of Marketing, effective January 5, 2026. Imperial owns and operates multiple brands and companies, including Imperial, Pukka®, Winston Collection and the Peter Millar Licensing Company. These brands serve a diverse range of markets, including direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, destination leisure, team dealer, and supply chain channels.  Smith brings more than 25 years of global marketing leadership across digital transformation, omni-channel strategy, and brand growth. She joins Imperial from Wolverine Worldwide, where she most recently served as Vice President of Marketing & Digital Media for Merrell and Chaco, leading global marketing and growth strategy for an $870M+ brand portfolio. In her role at Wolverine Worldwide, Smith managed a $35M+ media budget, oversaw lifecycle marketing and consumer journey optimization, and partnered closely with executive leadership to drive long-term growth. Her leadership contributed to meaningful gains in revenue, customer lifetime value, and digital performance across global markets. Prior to Wolverine Worldwide, Smith held senior marketing roles at Merrell and Cat Footwear, where she led integrated global campaigns, digital transformation initiatives, and e-commerce growth strategies. Earlier in her career, she built and scaled digital practices for international clients including Dell, Microsoft, and Oracle, and served as Global Marketing Director for WorldWide Retail Exchange, managing brand strategy across Europe and the United States. “Jane brings the strategic rigor, digital expertise, and brand leadership that align perfectly with Imperial’s growth priorities,” said Jeremy Davis, CEO at Imperial. “Her experience scaling global brands will be instrumental as we continue to expand our market presence and elevate the Imperial brand.” At Imperial, Smith will lead global marketing strategy with a focus on brand positioning, digital acceleration, and consumer engagement as the company continues to grow across golf, lifestyle, and corporate channels. About Imperial Founded in 1916, Imperial is a CPC company with expertise in design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Imperial owns and operates several brands and companies, including Imperial, Pukka®, and the Peter Millar Licensing Company.  Imperial is a consumer apparel brand that sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels.  Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, Adidas and many other global brands. Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech. Imperial supports the Imperial Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering the growth and vitality of sports—especially golf—and enhancing the well-being of communities it serves. CPC, Imperial’s parent company, is a Kansas City-based investment holding firm focused on a long-term strategy to buy, build, and hold™ great companies. For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on LinkedIn at @imperial-headwear or Instagram at @ImperialHats.
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Nov 17, 2025

Imperial and Keith Mitchell Announce Fourth Release in the Charity Game Tour Visor®

Imperial, through the Imperial Foundation, is proud to announce the fourth release of the Charity Game Imperial Tour Visor®, a charitable initiative inspired by PGA TOUR Professional and Imperial Brand Ambassador Keith Mitchell. The latest drop, in collaboration with Mizuno, will benefit PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) — the flagship military program of PGA REACH that introduces veterans to the game of golf to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. This fourth installment continues the momentum of a successful year-long campaign that has already supported the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, Missouri Mental Health Foundation, and First Tee through previous visor releases that sold out quickly and raised meaningful funds for each cause. “The ongoing success of the Charity Game Tour Visor® has been incredible to witness,” said Jerry Biag, Director of Marketing at Imperial. “Each release reflects our shared belief that golf can be a force for good — and we’re honored to partner with Mizuno and PGA HOPE to continue making a difference through the Imperial Foundation.” Keith Mitchell added, “I’ve been proud to see how this initiative has grown. Each drop has connected fans, partners, and players around giving back, and supporting PGA HOPE is a perfect continuation of that mission.” The Charity Game Imperial Tour Visor® – Drop 4 will be available exclusively at Imperial1916.com on Monday, November 17, 2025. All proceeds will be directed through the Imperial Foundation to benefit PGA HOPE.   About the Imperial Foundation Founded in 2023, The Imperial Foundation is committed to the growth and vitality of sports, with a special focus on golf. Our mission extends beyond the fairways, emphasizing overall health and well-being within the communities we serve. Our three pillars – Vitality of Sports, Community, and Sustainability – guide our initiatives and drive positive change. About Imperial Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and have been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM). For more information, visit Imperial1916.com or follow @ImperialHats on Instagram. About PGA HOPE PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The program is offered at no cost to veterans and is designed to positively impact their lives through the healing power of the game.   ### Media Contact:  Jerry Biag  Director of Marketing  jbiag@imperial1916.com  
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Nov 05, 2025

Imperial Signs LPGA Champion Ingrid Lindblad as Headwear Ambassador

Imperial, voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech, proudly announces a new partnership with LPGA Champion Ingrid Lindblad, who joins Team Imperial as an official headwear ambassador. Lindblad, a rising star on the LPGA Tour and standout collegiate player at LSU, has quickly earned a reputation for her consistency, poise, and powerful play. As part of the partnership, Lindblad will exclusively wear Imperial headwear during competition and appearances, showcasing the brand’s signature combination of performance, comfort, and timeless style. “Ingrid represents the next generation of golf excellence,” said Jerry Biag, Director of Marketing at Imperial. “Her talent, drive, and character align perfectly with our brand values, and we’re proud to support her journey on the LPGA Tour.” “I’m thrilled to partner with Imperial,” said Lindblad. “Their hats have always stood out for their quality and feel, and I’m excited to represent a brand that values both performance and authenticity.” This partnership further strengthens Imperial’s commitment to supporting elite athletes and ambassadors who embody the brand’s heritage and love for the game.  Lindblad joins PGA Tour Champion Keith Mitchell as part of Team Imperial, representing the brand across professional golf’s biggest stages. About Imperial Founded in 1916, Imperial is a CPC company with expertise in design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution. Imperial owns and operates several brands and companies, including Imperial, Pukka®, and the Peter Millar Licensing Company.  Imperial is a consumer apparel brand that sells its products into several markets, including the direct-to-consumer (DTC), golf, corporate, and supply chain channels.  Customers include the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Open Championship, Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and Solheim Cup. Imperial also has manufacturing and licensing relationships with Nike, Peter Millar, Tommy Hilfiger, Vans, Adidas and many other global brands. Imperial products can be found at all Top 100 and over 75% of the Top 400 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand for private and resort golf facilities for eight consecutive years by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) and reported as the “#1 headwear brand in the combined on and off course retail golf channels” by Golf Datatech. Imperial supports the Imperial Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering the growth and vitality of sports—especially golf—and enhancing the well-being of communities it serves. CPC, Imperial’s parent company, is a Kansas City-based investment holding firm focused on a long-term strategy to buy, build, and hold™ great companies. For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on LinkedIn at @imperial-headwear or Instagram at @ImperialHats. Media contact:Jerry BiagDirector of Marketing jbiag@imperial1916.com
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