Private-equity investment firm DesignWorks has promoted Jessica Whitehead to vice president of specialty sales.

Whitehead began working in 2011 for DesignWorks, which was launched in the summer of 2009 to invest in and help grow personal care and gift product companies. The firm has invested in candle maker Paddywax and perfumes and cologne marketer Olivina Napa Valley. Whitehead is those companies' national sales manager and is overseeing their sales management, marketing and communication efforts and training tied to independent retailers.

Before working with Paddywax and Olivina, Whitehead was director of sales at SnapRetail, as territory manager for Two’s Company and as vice president of business development for Kris & Co.

“We are excited and encouraged by the remarkable growth Paddywax has seen over the last three years, as well as the success of our recent acquisition, Olivina,” said Joe Moore, CEO of DesignWorks Investments. “Jessica has played a huge roll in the success we’ve experienced in the retail marketplace, and we are thrilled to have her lead our efforts in the specialty market.”

Moore is a former president of C.R. Gibson and the son of former Thomas Nelson boss Sam Moore. Three and a half years ago, he teamed with former Thomas Nelson CFO Joe Powers to launch DesignWorks.