BOURBON, MO – Imperial, a leading headwear, apparel and accessories manufacturer founded in 1916, announced today golf industry veteran David Shaffer as its new President. In his new role, Shaffer will manage Imperial’s Golf, Corporate, Destination & Leisure, Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) and Licensing businesses.
“I am excited for my new position and the future of Imperial,” said Shaffer. “Leading the Imperial brand and our team is an honor. I’m looking forward to developing our business, great products and strong partnerships for years to come.”
Shaffer has been with Imperial for more than 13 years. He has held various positions at the Company, including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, and most recently Senior Vice President of Sales. Shaffer also played a major role in the sale of Imperial to CPC in 2021, the acquisition of JT Spencer in 2022, establishing the Imperial Foundation in 2023, and the acquisition of Pukka in 2024.
“David is a dynamic executive with a strong track record of building the Imperial brand,” said Todd Johnson, CEO of Imperial. “He embodies all the qualities and characteristics we look for in a leader, as well as the Imperial brand. I have no doubt David will continue to grow our brand, while delivering value to our customers and positively impact the communities we serve.”
David Shaffer is a graduate of Northwestern University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Master of Science in Marketing. He was also a NCAA Division I Scholarship Athlete on the Men’s Varsity Golf Team at Northwestern. Shaffer resides in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife Amy and three daughters: Addison, Hadley and Reid.
About Imperial
Imperial is a consumer apparel brand founded in 1916 with design, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities. Imperial 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 in all Top 100 golf courses in the United States and has been voted the #1 headwear brand in golf for seven 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 is also proud to fund the Imperial Foundation, a separate philanthropic organization committed to the growth and vitality of sports—especially the game of golf and those who support it—as well as the overall health and well-being of the people in the communities Imperial serves. For further information please visit Imperial1916.com. Follow Imperial on Instagram at @ImperialHats.
