Joe Dessinger has been named national sales manager of the Gramicci brand, a long-time mainstay of the outdoor sportswear sector. A 23-year veteran of the apparel field, Dessinger will oversee an independent sales force and be responsible for all customer service issues.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Dessinger. “With a new management team in place, a new attitude and the Gramicci reputation for quality, I’m very optimistic about our company’s future success.”

Dessinger comes to Gramicci from South Bay Sportswear, where he served as vice president of sales and marketing since 2002. Prior to that, he was brand manager in charge of the Field & Stream license for Brigata Sportswear.

Dessinger began his career in retailing as a buyer with Ross Stores. He subsequently shifted to the apparel manufacturing business as a sales representative for Block Sportswear, where he worked his way up to western regional sales manager.

“We have an ambitious plan for growing sales over the next five years,” said Arnold Rubenstein, president of Gramicci, “and Joe’s outstanding track record in the apparel industry gives us the kind of experience and leadership we’ll need to meet our objectives.”