8-K: Superior Group Names Koempel President, Retains CFO Role

Superior Group of Companies has appointed Michael W. Koempel as President, effective immediately, while he retains his role as Chief Financial Officer.

Summary

• Superior Group of Companies, Inc. (SGC) appointed Michael W. Koempel as President, effective September 12, 2025.
• Mr. Koempel will continue to serve as the company's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer.
• Michael Benstock remains the Chief Executive Officer but relinquished his position as President as of September 12, 2025.
• The company's three segment presidents will now report directly to Mr. Koempel in his capacity as President.
• Mr. Koempel has served as SGC's CFO since May 31, 2022, and brings over 33 years of financial, operational, governance, and strategic leadership experience.
• His prior experience includes COO roles at ITSUGAR and Victorias Secret Lingerie, and CFO of Mast Global (supply chain division of L Brands Inc.).

Sentiment

Score: 8

Explanation: The filing announces a significant leadership promotion, highlighting the executive's strong track record and positive contributions to the company's financial and operational health. Management comments express high confidence in the new President's ability to drive future growth and shareholder value, indicating a very positive outlook.

Positives

• Appointment of a highly experienced executive, Michael W. Koempel, to President, signaling strong leadership continuity and strategic direction.
• Mr. Koempel's dual role as President and CFO leverages his extensive financial, operational, governance, and strategic experience, including scaling high-growth companies.
• Management highlights Mr. Koempel's instrumental role in strengthening the company's financial foundation and advancing operational excellence.
• The promotion reinforces the company's focused trajectory and investment in long-term success.
• Commitment to driving strategic top-line growth, enhanced operational excellence, and the creation of further shareholder value.

Future Outlook

The company aims to build on current momentum, drive strategic top-line growth and profitability, unlock significant potential across its business segments, and enhance shareholder value through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

Management Comments

• Michael Benstock, Chairman and CEO: "Mike's leadership over the past three years has been instrumental to SGC navigating some of the most challenging periods in our 105-year history. He has not only strengthened our financial foundation but also played a key role in advancing operational excellence across segments. His promotion to President reflects his outstanding contributions and reinforces the Company's focused trajectory and investment in long-term success."
• Jake Himelstein, President of Branded Products segment: "As segment leaders, we have seen firsthand the operational insights and strategic focus Mike brings. We look forward to building on that momentum as Mike assumes his new role and continues to drive strategic top-line growth and profitability."
• Michael W. Koempel, President and CFO: "I'm grateful to Michael and the Board of Directors for their trust, and to our segment presidents for their close partnership. Each of our business segments has significant potential, and I'm committed to helping unlock that value as we drive toward expanded growth, enhanced operational excellence, and the creation of further shareholder value."

Industry Context

Superior Group of Companies operates in diverse markets including Healthcare Apparel, Branded Products, and Contact Centers. Mr. Koempel's background in high-growth apparel and retail brands, including e-commerce and supply chain management, aligns with the company's stated commitment to service, quality, advanced technology, and omnichannel commerce, positioning it to capitalize on trends in these fragmented and growing addressable markets.

Management Changes

Corporate Governance

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Potential for enhanced shareholder value through expanded growth, operational excellence, and strategic acquisitions driven by new leadership.
• Employees: Changes in reporting structure for segment presidents, indicating a shift in operational oversight and potentially new strategic directives.
• Customers: Focus on operational excellence and brand engagement experiences could lead to improved service and product offerings.

Next Steps

• Continue to drive strategic top-line growth and profitability across all segments.
• Unlock value within each business segment through enhanced operational excellence.
• Pursue a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions to enhance shareholder value.

Key Dates

Recommendation

The appointment of Michael W. Koempel to President, while retaining his CFO role, is a strong positive signal. His extensive experience in financial, operational, and strategic leadership, particularly with high-growth companies in relevant industries, positions Superior Group of Companies for enhanced operational excellence and strategic growth. Management's explicit confidence in his ability to strengthen the financial foundation and drive shareholder value suggests a favorable outlook, making the stock an attractive 'buy' for investors looking for companies with strong, proven leadership.

Keywords

Superior Group of Companies, SGC, Michael W. Koempel, President, Chief Financial Officer, CFO, Michael Benstock, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, management change, corporate governance, apparel, retail, financial leadership, operational excellence