RefrigiWear Welcomes Jim Dugan as New CEO as Company Transitions Leadership

RefrigiWear Announces Leadership Change

RefrigiWear, renowned for manufacturing insulated industrial workwear and personal protective equipment, has officially announced the appointment of Jim Dugan as the new Chief Executive Officer. This transition, revealed on August 4, 2026, marks a significant shift in the company's leadership.

Jim Dugan, who brings more than 25 years of senior commercial and executive leadership experience to the role, has a distinguished track record of earning customer trust while building high-performing teams. Most recently, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at Galls and has held senior leadership positions at Shoes For Crews and Cintas. His extensive experience in driving sustained growth and fostering relationships will undoubtedly benefit RefrigiWear as it moves forward under his leadership.

Dugan takes the reins at a time when RefrigiWear, along with its family of European brands like FlexiTog®, Fortdress®, Cold Tex®, Tessuto®, and Goldfreeze®, is poised for growth and expansion. In his new role, Dugan emphasized his commitment to maintaining the strong values that have contributed to the company's success. "It is a tremendous honor to become CEO of RefrigiWear and to lead a family of businesses with proud histories, talented colleagues, and customer relationships built on trust,” he stated.

The former CEO, Ryan Silberman, will remain engaged with RefrigiWear as a member of the board of directors. Silberman expressed confidence in Dugan's capabilities, highlighting his deep commercial leadership experience and customer-oriented mindset. He believes Dugan's leadership will help shape the company's future while preserving the successful qualities of its brands. Silberman stated, "I am incredibly proud of what our colleagues have built and of the enduring relationships we've developed over many years" and looks forward to supporting the new CEO.

Importantly, the transition is set to be seamless for customers, suppliers, and partners, with no immediate changes to the day-to-day operations within the company. Clients can expect to continue collaborating with their established contacts and receiving the same high standards of quality, reliability, and service that have become synonymous with the RefrigiWear brand.

For those who might be unaware, RefrigiWear was founded in 1954 by Myron Breakstone and has since established a reputation as a leading manufacturer of durable workwear designed for the coldest and most challenging conditions. The company understands the demands faced by workers in extreme cold environments, allowing it to deliver high-quality insulated workwear suited for tough jobs. RefrigiWear is headquartered in Dahlonega, GA, and has a commitment to providing its customers with the best overall value.

As Dugan steps into his new role, he prioritizes listening to the diverse voices within the organization, including colleagues, customers, and partners across the globe. His immediate focus will be on understanding the intricacies of the business and identifying collaborative opportunities to amplify service delivery and enhance customer experience. Dugan's mission is not just about expansion; it’s also about reinforcing the trust already established within the company’s network.

In summary, as Jim Dugan embarks on this new chapter as CEO of RefrigiWear, he is set to lead the company with a firm commitment to its core values while navigating the complexities of the modern industrial landscape. RefrigiWear and its brands remain dedicated to protecting individuals working in cold and demanding environments by providing trusted, high-quality products that stand the test of time.

For more information about RefrigiWear or its extensive range of insulated workwear and PPE, please visit RefrigiWear.com or contact them directly at 800-645-3744.