Ed launched Gribbin Strategic in 2018 to help apparel, fashion, and retail industry brands, suppliers and manufacturers better connect, communicate and collaborate to address the tsunami of change facing us all, from changing generational consumer tastes and habits, to advancements in technology, to the geopolitical and logistical challenges threatening our supply chains.
In 2020, as then-President of AAPN, Ed mobilized hundreds of companies in the industry to rapidly respond to the global pandemic, creating gowns, masks and gloves for healthcare workers across the US.
From 2006 to 2018, Ed worked for Alvanon, Inc., the last seven as President. Under his leadership, Alvanon evolved from the premier provider of technical fit forms to the foremost authority on product development, sizing and fit strategy and execution. He managed its teams and has worked with leading retail clients all over the world; he remains an advisor to and promoter of Alvanon globally.
Prior to Alvanon, Ed was recruited to tech startup Intellifit Corporation as President/COO in 1999. There, he co-invented the revolutionary Intellifit Scanner, the first body scanner to accurately return the dimensions of fully-clothed consumers and predict their sizes across the spectrum of available brands.
Ed’s career started in the uniform industry, first in manufacturing and merchandising and later in sales, marketing and executive management, culminating as Senior Vice President, Hospitality at Angelica Uniform Group.
Ed serves on numerous boards and regularly presents insights and thought leadership themes to international apparel conferences. He also contributes to editorial and op-ed content in many relevant publications. His current board memberships include:
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American Apparel & Footwear Association
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Trade & Customs Committee
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Sustainability Committee
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International Apparel Federation
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Executive Committee & Treasurer
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SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas)
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Immediate Past Chairman / Executive Committee
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University of Delaware Fashion Studies Advisory Council
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AAPN (Americas’ Apparel Producers Network)
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Past President / Executive Committee
Ed has a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Joseph’s University and studied pattern making, design and textile construction at Philadelphia College of Textiles (now Jefferson University). Ed was a four-time member of the United States Rowing Team and a 1985 Bronze Medalist. When not on a plane, train or boat, Ed resides with his wife, Georgianne, in Merion Station, PA.
