WOODINVILLE, Wash. – May 17, 2012 – Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, Inc. (BDA), the Merchandise Agency™ of more than half the Fortune 50, today announced it has named Preston Akers director of product and supply chain integrity. With more than 30 years of experience in product sourcing and quality assurance, Akers brings a diverse skill-set to BDA, the industry leader in matters of compliance and safe manufacturing.

“Preston’s passion and expertise will be an asset as BDA continues to advocate for greater product safety and quality control protocols,” said Jay Deutsch, BDA co-founder and CEO. “He brings a global perspective, remarkable management acumen and integrity that will challenge our internal teams and undoubtedly inspire change and innovation in how our clients’ products come to market.”

Akers most recently served as the senior manager of quality and social responsibility at Progressive International. His background spans product and supply chain management, global sourcing, vendor relationship building, quality assurance, product testing and implementing social responsibility practices. Akers previously held positions at Eddie Bauer, Lands’ End and Target.

“BDA is reshaping the way the branded merchandise industry looks at quality, safety compliance and environmental stewardship,” Akers said. “From their rigorous factory auditing processes to their pivotal role in the formation of the Quality Certification Alliance, BDA’s commitment to ethical sourcing and ensuring product safety is unrivaled.”

Akers, an Ohio State University graduate, boasts extensive international experience. He has partnered with and developed businesses in 19 countries and more than 200 factories throughout the world.

About BDA
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, Inc. (BDA), the nation's premier Merchandise Agency™, provides marketing services and customized branded merchandise to Fortune 500 enterprises, major sports leagues and global entertainment holding companies. Clients come to BDA to extend their reach through custom branded-merchandise campaigns, integrated e-commerce marketing, and sports and entertainment sponsorship activation. Global brands such as Bank of America, Coca-Cola, Dell, ExxonMobil, FedEx, Ford Motor Company, GEICO and Major League Baseball are but a few of the household names that rely on BDA to bring their marketing campaigns to life through merchandise. BDA attained the coveted Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) certification in 2008 highlighting the company’s advanced quality assurance practices for importing products from overseas. For more information on the power of merchandise, For more information on the power of merchandise, visit www.bdainc.com.

Media Contact:
Morgan Bradley
Barokas PR for BDA
BDA@Barokas.com
206-264-8220