Karl Whiteside is the US President & Global Group Services Director at Brand Addition, a global leader in branded merchandise, procurement, and customer engagement solutions. Headquartered in Manchester, United Kingdom, Brand Addition serves many of the world's leading brands through operations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
With nearly two decades of experience spanning supply chain management, procurement, logistics, sales leadership, and global operations, Karl has built a reputation for driving growth through innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric transformation. Since joining Brand Addition in 2017, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the company's international footprint, strengthening strategic client relationships, and advancing technology-enabled solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability, and brand impact.
In 2026, Karl was appointed President of the US and Group Operations Director, assuming responsibility for Brand Addition's global operations across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, China, as well as the United States. Under his leadership, the company continues to invest in digital transformation, responsible sourcing, sustainability initiatives, and AI-driven innovation to help some of the world's most recognized brands navigate an increasingly complex procurement landscape.
Prior to Brand Addition, Karl held leadership positions with Staples Promotional Products, Samsonite, Newell Rubbermaid, and May Department Stores, developing deep expertise in global supply chains, commercial strategy, and customer experience.
Karl holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from Truman State University. He lives in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, Lori, and their three sons, and remains an avid supporter of youth and competitive baseball.
With consolidation redefining the agency ecosystem, procurement leaders must rethink how they drive value, maintain optionality, and ensure transparency. Panelists will discuss how they're evolving their approaches, challenging bundled models, sharpening scopes, and building strategies that preserve flexibility in a more concentrated marketplace.
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Karl.
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