Nexgen Packaging, a packaging provider for the retail, apparel and footwear industries, hired Kevin DeSpain as senior vice president of sales for the Americas.

In this role, DeSpain is responsible for leading and expanding sales operations and data integration teams in the Americas and leading sales and customer service teams in Asia. He joined Nexgen, based in Westmont, IL, from Zebra Technologies, where he was vice president of sales for the manufacturing, transportation and logistics team, led Zebra’s RFID and managed professional services teams focused on servicing all key verticals. DeSpain resides in Austin, TX.

“I have worked extensively with Kevin in the past, and I could not be more excited for the positive impact he will have on our customers and employees,” said Nexgen’s CEO, Jim Welch. “Kevin’s experience in the retail industry and his deep involvement in RFID deployments will elevate our strategic engagement with customers. Additionally, his experience outside of retail will allow us to better meet the demand we are seeing for our products in other verticals.”

“When we founded Nexgen over 15 years ago, we committed to elevating the level of customer service that was being provided in our industry,” said Kent Pellegrini, co-founder and chief business development officer for Nexgen. “Retail is in constant flux, and the need for sales leaders who can shape the future of our global strategies and customer experience has never been more crucial. It is exciting to have someone with Kevin’s energy and passion join our team, and I look forward to working closely with him.”

“I am thrilled to be joining a talented Nexgen team and eager to contribute to this already strong company with a great reputation. I see an incredible growth opportunity to provide our customers with true sustainable offerings as they look to optimize their global supply chain,” said DeSpain.