MINNEAPOLIS—Matt Zabel has been named vice president of government affairs for Target.

Zabel is responsible for representing Target in Washington, identifying important policy issues and being part of the legislative process. Based in Washington, he oversees the government-affairs teams for the retailer both here and in the capital.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Stephanie Tyus has joined Surya as director of marketing, a new position.

Reporting to Seth King, vice president, sales and marketing, Tyus will focus on building and extending the Surya brand, as well as creating and executing a marketing plan, which includes print, media, web, collateral and catalog development.

Tyus has more than 18 years of experience in the textiles and carpet industries, having held positions with Milliken, Interface, Mohawk Industries and Tencate Mills.

FRANKFURT, Germany–Messe Frankfurt has promoted Stephan Kurzawski, Iris Jeglitza-Moshage and Klaus Reinke from vice presidents to senior vice presidents.

In his new role, Kurzawski has assumed responsibility for the development of Messe Frankfurt’s consumer-goods trade fairs, especially Ambiente, and will have the trade-show managing company’s Head Office Sales Controlling department reporting to him. He in turn reports to Detlef Braun, member of the board of management.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center has designated 10 executives to lead the division for the Gift + Home show, which will make its debut Aug. 2-6.

Georgia Davis, former executive vice president for Dallas Market Center, has been named vice president of Gift + Home, and is responsible for the strategy, sales and growth of the show.

TEANECK, N.J.—Sung Oh has joined Beacon Looms as director of design and product development, a newly created position.

Oh is responsible for the design and development of all of the company’s window treatments, bedding and decorative pillows. She reports to Sandy McNeil, senior vice president of merchandising and sales.

Before joining Beacon Looms, Oh was senior vice president of Louis Hornick & Co., responsible for design, product development and sourcing.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Surya has appointed Pat Douglass as vice president of its printed rug division, a category the company has been growing.

Douglass will work with Surya’s printed rug factories on development, production and distribution, as well as develop relationships with retailers and wholesalers.

“Pat brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our company,” said Satya Tiwari, president. “With Pat’s help we are now ready to grow this category even further by appealing to more and more customers with fashionable colors and designs.”

ATLANTA–Simmons has put Gary Fazio, previously chairman of Mattress Firm, in charge as its chief executive officer.

Fazio officially begins his new post today. He is succeeding Steve Fendrich, president and chief operating officer, who is leaving Simmons. The hiring of Fazio is the first major move by Ares Capital Management and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which closed their acquisition of Simmons in January.

The two parent companies are also the owners of Serta.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.—John Fleming, who helped lead Walmart on an unsuccessful trade-up strategy and then refocused the merchandising on value, is leaving the company, effective Aug. 1.

Fleming, who has been chief merchandising officer, will be succeeded on an interim basis by two executives. Jack Sinclair, executive vice president and general manager, grocery, will oversee food and health and wellness merchandise. John Westling, executive vice president, planning, pricing and replenishment, will oversee general merchandise and replenishment.

GREEN BAY, Wis.–John Bulgarella has been appointed divisional vice president and divisional merchandise manager for Shopko’s hard-home division.

In his new post, Bulgarella is responsible for developing, directing and executing merchandise strategies for the retailers’ consumer-electronics and furniture divisions. Information on who Bulgarella is succeeding was not immediately available.

SADDLE BROOK, N.J.–Theolene Woods has joined Nourison as Northeast sales rep, covering Connecticut, Rhode Island and upstate New York. She will service and develop business with the company’s dealer base in this region, handling both Nourison’s rug and broadloom lines.

With more than a decade of industry experience, Woods has served in sales and management positions in upscale retail and decorative supply companies in the Fairfield County, Conn. area.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Hector Torres has been named vice president of merchandising at Hollander Home Fashions.

In this newly created position, Torres is responsible for merchandising activities concentrating on the company’s department-store and specialty-store businesses. He reports to Beth Mack, chief merchandising officer. Mack said Torres’ appointment is part of Hollander’s long-term growth strategy, which includes “investing in key personnel for specific areas of growth within our company.”

WEST ORANGE, N.J.–Groupe SEB has made changes to the executive ranks in its U.S. Partnership Group, which handles the company’s product-development relationships with other manufacturers.

Michael Miller, vice president of sales for Rowenta, has been given the additional responsibility over Krups’ partnership sales in the United States. Richard Joaristi, marketing director of T-fal electrics, has added the title of marketing director of Groupe SEB USA partnerships. Both Joaristi and Miller report to Greg Cairo, president of Groupe SEB core brands.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Jeff Gearhart, Walmart’s executive vice president and general counsel, has been promoted to the additional post of corporate secretary, effective Aug. 1.

STURTEVANT, Wis.–Matthew K. Andis has become president of Andis, becoming the fourth generation of the family to hold this post.

He succeeds his father, Matthew L. Andis, who is transitioning to the role of chairman. As president, Matthew K. Andis is responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction, including its international business, and oversees Andis’ day-to-day operations.

TROY, N.C.–Capel Rugs has appointed John Harrison general manager of the company’s import division, reporting to Tami Watras, director of merchandising. Now responsible for the company’s planning and purchasing strategies as well as inventory control and vendor management, he first joined Capel in 1994 as import purchasing manager.

CARLSTADT, N.J.–Momeni has named Blake Dennard to the newly created position of Southeast regional manager, responsible for managing the sales and sales agents in 10 Southeastern states.

Based in Chattanooga, Tenn., Dennard will report to Stephen Hoberman, national accounts manager.

Dennard joined Momeni in early 2009 as a sales representative. Prior to joining the company, he was a vice president at both Kaleen and Oriental Weavers USA. 

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Mark Quinn has been promoted to director of marketing for the residential furnishings segment of Leggett & Platt.

In this newly created position, Quinn is responsible for the coordination of the marketing efforts for the various business units in residential furnishings. He reports to Perry Davis, president of the Leggett & Platt bedding group.

MINNEAPOLIS-Jean-Michel Valette has been appointed chairman of the board of directors of Select Comfort.

Valette, who has been a member of Select Comfort’s board for more than 15 years, succeeds Ervin R. Shames, who will continue to serve as a member of the company’s board. Currently, Valette is also chairman of Peet’s Coffee and Tea and is a director on the board of The Boston Beer Co. Previously, he was non-executive chairman, president and managing director of Robert Mondavi Winery.

Valette also continues on the Select Comfort board’s audit committee.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Hollander Home Fashions has named Kaye Johnson sales vice president and key account executive, and has appointed Adam Petricoff vice president of hospitality and healthcare.

Both posts are new positions for the company. Johnson has assumed responsibility for sales and growth initiatives for department stores and chain stores in the Dallas region. Petricoff oversees the strategic planning of Hollander’s efforts in the hospitality and healthcare markets. Both executives report to Kay LeGrange, Hollander’s president of sales.

LONG BEACH, Calif.–Human Touch has named Billy Curtright director of sales for furniture and specialty-sleep products.

Curtright thus assumes responsibility over the sales of Human Touch products in the furniture and specialty-sleep markets. He reports to Human Touch’s president, Andrew Cohen. Before joining Human Touch, Curtright was account executive for Ekornes. His career also includes serving as president of Drakeford Furniture and national sales manager for Standard Furniture Co.

CORTE MADERA, Calif.–Restoration Hardware has appointed former Guess executive Carlos Alberini as co-chief executive officer and a company director.

Alberini reports to Gary Friedman, the retailer’s chairman, who had been the sole CEO and who will now share that role with Alberini. The latter oversees the company’s finance, supply-chain, inventory, information-technology, stores and human-resources functions. Friedman is in charge of the company’s creative, merchandising and marketing operations.

PICO RIVERA, Calif.–Aico/Amini Innovation has promoted Martin Ploy to president, succeeding Larry Rinaldi who recently retired.

Ploy has been with the company for eight years, and held the position of executive vice president for the past five years. His experience in the furniture industry includes stints with RB Furniture, Benchcraft Furniture and Krause’s Sofa Factory.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Kimberley Wray, who as vice president of marketing for the High Point Market Authority helped modernize and restructure the furniture shows here, is leaving her position.

Wray, who said she is leaving for personal and family reasons, will stay on through June. In the meantime, the Authority said it will be looking for her successor.

DALLAS–Neiman Marcus announced yesterday that Burt Tansky, its chief executive officer, will retire from the position in October.

Karen Katz, head of Neiman Marcus Stores, will succeed Tansky. Katz has been with Neiman Marcus since 1985.

Tansky, who has been the CEO since 2001, will remain non-executive chairman of the board. James Skinner, Neiman Marcus chief financial officer, adds the title of chief operating officer.

ATLANTA–David Lumley has been named chief executive officer of Spectrum Brands, parent company of the Remington brand, succeeding the retiring Kent Hussey, effective immediately.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–Joseph Moshy has joined Safavieh as territory manager for the Middle Atlantic region as well as California, and is responsible for sales of all of Safavieh’s rug lines in those regions. He reports to Arash Yaraghi, company principal.

Moshy was most recently sales manager at Veratex, a tricot knitter in North Carolina. Previous posts include sales manager for Pande Cameron, national sales manager at Shalom Carpets and territory manager, New England, for Tufenkian Carpets.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Joseph Mussallem has been named president of the North American Team for Natuzzi Americas Inc. filling a position that had been vacant since Cary Benson left last December.

Mussallem was most recently Natuzzi senior vice president of sales, responsible for national accounts, Natuzzi Editions and Italsofa brands. The company said he will focus on a new organizational structure that created dedicated teams for Natuzzi’s three brands.

NEW YORK–Three of Hearst Magazines’ key publications have new editors as the company announced several switches at the top of its editorial ranks.

Stephen Drucker, who has been editor of House Beautiful and helped lead the magazine to a revival the past five years, is moving over to Town&Country as editor-in-chief. Succeeding him at House Beautiful is Newell Turner, who has been style director for the magazine since 2006.

NEW YORK-Steuben Glass has appointed Mark Samitt president from his position as chief operating officer, a position he’s held since June 2009.

With 20 years of experience in consumer and luxury goods, Samitt held the position of chief operating officer, North America and Global Supply Chain with Movado Group before joining Steuben.

PICO RIVERA, Calif.–Larry Rinaldi is retiring as president of AICO/Amini Innovation Corp. after 11 years with the furniture company, the past eight as president.

No successor has been announced, but the company said it expects to fill the spot soon and will create an additional number of new positions as well.

NEW YORK–Italian company Kartell has announced executive changes for its U.S. division. Emanuele Corvo, managing director of Kartell’s U.S. subsidiary, has resigned and will be leaving the company this week to pursue other interests, Kartell said in a statement.

In addition, John Jenkin will join the company April 1 in the new position of executive vice president, Kartell US, where he will explore and lead the company into new market segments, the company added.

STURTEVANT, Wis.–Andis has named Thomas George vice president of operations and has promoted Ivan Zoot to director of education and customer engagement, a new position for the company.

In addition, the personal care-products manufacturer said it is planning an expansion of its headquarters facility here. Measuring 50,000 square feet, the added space will be used for manufacturing and warehousing, and is expected to be finished by the end of this summer.

GARDENA, Calif.–Zojirushi America has promoted Tatsu Yamasaki to president and chief executive officer of the U.S. unit.

The appointment takes effect on April 1. The current president and CEO, Kazuhito Suzuki, will return to the parent company, Zojirushi Corp., at its headquarters in Osaka, Japan, where he will assume charge over the company’s international department.

Yamasaki joined Zojirushi America when the unit was formed in 1987. Most recently, he served as the unit’s vice president of sales.

SECAUCUS, N.J.–Joseph Taylor has been named chairman and chief executive officer of Panasonic North America, effective April 1.
Taylor has also been promoted to managing executive officer of the parent, Panasonic Corp. As chairman and CEO of Panasonic North America, he will succeed Yoshi Yamada, who will move to Japan to head the parent company’s global industrial sales sector.

COSTA MESA, Calif.—Steve Strickland has assumed the newly created position of vice president of marketing at Anna’s Linens.
Strickland is responsible for the marketing operation of the specialty retailer, and in particular for expanding the brand awareness of Anna’s Linens to the national consumer audience. He reports directly to Alan Gladstone, founder and chief executive officer.

HOUSTON--Mattress Firm has appointed Stephen Leggiero to the newly created position of vice president of branding.
The naming of Leggiero represents the latest in a series of high-level executive moves at the mattress specialty retailer over the past two weeks. In that time, Gary Fazio, formerly chief executive officer, has been elevated to chairman, while company president Steve Stagner has added the CEO title to his duties. Also, Craig McAndrews and Dave Brummett have been named vice president of merchandising vice president of product development, respectively.

SEATTLE--Dinnerware company sengWare has named Jeff Starliper as vice president of sales and marketing, focusing on expansion of the company’s sales efforts and strategic marketing program development.
He was formerly the vice president of sales and marketing of Rachael Ray branded kitchen cutlery.
With Starliper’s appointment, national manufacturers’ representative firm Morgan & Sampson USA has signed on to represent sengWare to targeted accounts nationally.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.–HSN has appointed Greg Henchel as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, effective Feb. 15.
Henchel will manage the company’s corporate legal strategy and oversee the legal department, reporting directly to Mindy Grossman, HSN, Inc., chief executive officer.
Henchel joins HSN, Inc., from Tween Brands, Inc., where he served as senior vice president and general counsel from 2005 through the beginning of 2010. Henchel also served as secretary of Tween Brands from 2008.

NEW YORK–John A. Thain has been named chairman and chief executive officer of CIT, effective immediately.
According to a company statement, Thain will “continue CIT’s transition to a more streamlined commercial lender focused on serving the small-business and middle-market sectors, and optimizing the company’s business model.” CIT emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December.
Thain succeeds Peter Tobin, who was named interim CEO in January and who remains on the company’s board of directors.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–Brian R. Morrow has been appointed executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Stein Mart.
Morrow has more than 25 years of merchandise experience, most recently as senior vice president and general merchandising manager at Macy’s West. He previously served in that position at Mervyn’s and Macy’s North/Marshall Field’s, with earlier positions at Robinsons-May/Meier & Frank. Morrow will have responsibility for Stein Mart’s entire merchandising and planning/allocation complex when he assumes his new position on Jan. 31.

SAN FRANCISCO—Howard Lester, the long-time head of Williams-Sonoma who took a minor kitchenware store and built into the home industry’s largest lifestyle retailer, is retiring.
Lester will be replaced as CEO by his number two executive Laura Alber, the current president. Adrian Bellamy, currently the board’s lead independent director, will become non-executive chairman and Lester will become chairman emeritus through December 2012.

SAN FRANCISCO—Howard Lester, the long-time head of Williams-Sonoma who took a minor kitchenware store and built into the home industry’s largest lifestyle retailer, is retiring.
Lester will be replaced as CEO by his number two executive Laura Alber, the current president. Adrian Bellamy, currently the board’s lead independent director, will become non-executive chairman and Lester will become chairman emeritus through December 2012.

CINCINNATI–Macy’s plans to launch a Bloomingdale’s Outlet store concept this year, and has hired former Federated executive Arnie Orlick to lead the outlet effort.

TUALATIN, Ore.–KAI USA has reorganized its management positions in sales, marketing and product development, naming Kurt Zanner vice president of sales and marketing and Marc Wade vice president of product administration, two new positions. In addition, Dominique Dobson has become marketing coordinator.
Zanner will oversee sales, marketing and customer relations for KAI’s housewares division, while Wade will be responsible for product administration, including new product development with KAI factories, for the housewares division.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–James Haworth has been named executive vice president and president of the retail services unit of Sears Holdings.
Haworth, who will begin in this post on Jan. 31, will be responsible for the oversight, leadership and strategic growth of retail services for all Sears and Kmart stores. He will report to the board of directors of the retail services unit, and will join both this board and the board of directors for Sears Holdings.
Haworth will succeed Kevin Holt, who has left the company.

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn.–David Beré, president and chief strategy officer of Dollar General, will retire at the end of the retailer’s fiscal year, Jan. 29.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Due to “tremendous growth,” Riztex USA has named Stacey Vega to the new position of director of sales for its Home Texco division and JC Lehnen as creative director of the Rizzy Rugs division.
Reporting to Mark Ferullo, vice president, Riztex, Vega has many years of experience in bedding and textiles and will be directing those sales of the company as well as overseeing its expansion.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.–Camelot Venture Group, the license holders and operators of the Sharperimage.com e-commerce platform and catalog business has hired Mark Anthony as senior vice president and general merchandise manager. He will be responsible for developing, sourcing and merchandising products.
Most recently, Anthony served as operational vice president/GMM at Brookstone where he oversaw all merchandising for the company’s Web site and catalogs for the last 12 years.

IRVINE, Calif.–Will Symonds has been named managing director of DKB Household USA Corp. as part of a reorganization.
Symonds comes to DKB Household USA from DKB Household UK Ltd., where he was director of international sales. He succeeds Sanjay Choudhuri, who left the company at the end of 2009.
With experience in global brand development, sales, marketing and manufacturing, Symonds will lead the U.S. company to further focus on U.S. brand marketing, trade marketing and sales.

NEW YORK–Rich Roman, president of Revman, has assumed the presidency of the Home Fashion Products Association.
Roman has succeeded Barry Leonard, president of Croscill/Ex-Cell Home Fashions/Glenoit, who will serve a two-year term as president of the HFPA Foundation.

LEXINGTON, Ky.–The Tempur-Pedic board has elected Evelyn S. Dilsaver as a director, expanding the number of company directors to 11.
Dilsaver was a long-time executive at Charles Schwab Corp., serving as president and chief executive officer of Charles Schwab Investment Management from July 2004 until August 2007. She is also a member of the boards of directors of Aeropostale, Tamalpais Bancorp, HighMark Funds and Blue Shield of California. She also serves on several non-profit boards of directors.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.–Michael Todman, president of Whirlpool North America, has been named president of Whirlpool International, while Marc Bitzer, currently executive vice president of Whirlpool Corp., will succeed Todman.

MONTGOMERY, Ala.–Chad Beasley has joined Caffco as its national sales manager for the independent and specialty retail market. Most recently, Beasley served as OneCoast’s southeastern regional sales manager.
Earlier this year, Caffco named Tim Matt its product development/designer. His work history includes stints with Transpac Imports, Clay Art and Pacific Rim.

WAYNE, N.J.–Kid Brands announced that David Sabin will join the company as the president of its subsidiary Kids Line, LLC, effective Jan. 1, 2010.
Sabin was a founder and chairman of Salton, the housewares company best known for its George Foreman grills. Most recently, Sabin was president of Greystone Brands, a company started by former Salton head Leon Dreimann. Sabin will be based out of Kids Line’s headquarters in the Los Angeles area.

AUSTIN, Tex.–Wade Oppliger has been named vice president of upholstery for Four Hands, the furniture and decorative furnishings manufacturer and importer based here.
He reports to Matthew Briggs, president and chief executive officer, and will oversee the company’s Boulevard brand as well as its seating products.
Oppliger was most recently with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams as a regional account manager, but has been in the industry for 30 years, starting at Bullock’s Department Store and working at a variety of retail and supplier companies.

DALLAS–The Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group has announced its advisory panel members for 2010.
The Catalog Advisory Panel now consists of Drew and Claire Nelson, Board & Basket; Mary Moore, Cook’s Warehouse; Larry Sales and Alexandra Mack, Cooking.com; Gwen Uhlig, Cucina Fresca; Art and Martha Nading, Extra Ingredient; Ed and Jane Fowler, Gourmet Pantry; Wanda Denny, Kitchen & Spice; Doug and Lia Huemoeller Kitchen Window; David and Barbara Freeman, Kitchenware Outfitters; and Laura and Stephen Havlek, Sign of the Bear.

PLEASANTON, Calif.–Ross Stores has created a new management alignment that includes the promotion of three key executives to president positions.

PITTSBURGH–SnapRetail, the recently formed consumer-products e-marketing firm, has rounded out its management team with the hiring of Kelly Gunn as vice president of business development for the gift and collegiate industries.

JESSUP, Md.–Classic Sleep Products has appointed Harry Goodman to the newly created position of vice president of northeastern sales.
Goodman has assumed responsibility for all Classic Sleep Products sales in the northeast region. He reports to Justin Gannon, vice president of sales.

CANNON FALLS, Minn.–The Gift and Home Trade Association has named Frederic Contino, president of Midwest-CBK, to its 13-person board.
“Rick brings a fresh dimension to the GHTA board, lending his leadership, expertise and vision for the future,” said Diane Carnevale Jones, GHTA executive director. “The GHTA, industry and retailers stand to benefit from his strategic perspective and commitment to innovation and growth.”
With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Contino has been president of Midwest-CBK since 2006 and recently oversaw the merger of Midwest and CBK.

DALTON, Ga.–Stuart McBrayer has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of national accounts and specialty products at Oriental Weavers USA, reporting to Pat Muschamp, vice president of sales.
McBrayer will be responsible for developing a new category of more promotional and value oriented products than the company has previously offered in the U.S., as well as overseeing several national accounts and management of the West Coast sales region.

CLEVELAND–Gregory Trepp will succeed Michael Morecroft as president and chief executive officer of Hamilton Beach when Morecroft retires on Dec. 31.
Trepp, who has been with Hamilton Beach since 1996, is currently interim president and CEO of sister company The Kitchen Collection, and will continue as CEO when he assumes charge over Hamilton Beach. According to a statement from NACCO Industries, parent of both Hamilton Beach and Kitchen Collection, he will also become a member of the Hamilton Beach’s board of directors.

DALLAS-Jason Needleman has been named chief executive officer of Peacock Alley.
Needleman thus assumes charge over the luxury-bedding manufacturer’s overall strategic leadership, business development and operations. Mary Ella Gabler, who founded the company 37 years ago, has become chairman.
Needleman’s most recent position was as vice president of ReelFX, in which he oversaw commercial business development and headed the launch of an online game for children, according to a statement from Peacock Alley. He served as president of Peacock Alley from 2003 to 2005.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears Holdings has named John Goodman executive vice president, apparel and home. Goodman was previously Kmart’s chief apparel and home officer, leaving the company in 2005.
He will also be a member of the internal holding company business unit board of directors and, until a permanent leader is found, president of Kmart Apparel.
Most recently, Goodman was the chief executive officer for apparel retailer Charlotte Russe.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Todd Sessa has been appointed to the position of vice president, merchandising and product development for Henredon, Maitland-Smith, effective immediately.
Sessa is a 20-year veteran of the furniture industry and has held various positions within Hendredon, including vice president of sales and vice president of Ralph Lauren Merchandising. Most recently, Sessa was Henredon’s marketing representative in the New York area.

CHICAGO–Betsy Evenson has been appointed to the newly created position of national account manager in the hospitality division for Protect-A-Bed.
Evenson is responsible for sales and education efforts geared toward owners and operators of hotels and motels. She provides information to this customer base on how to protect their mattresses and works toward solutions for bed-bug infestations. She reports to Petra Minoff, vice president of hospitality sales.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Hollander Home Fashions has named Jannice Cameron to the newly created position of vice president of marketing.
Cameron is responsible for directing and executing the company’s overall marketing strategy, and will oversee the art department and the overall packaging direction. She will also lead all initiatives involving advertising, public relations, promotional activities and special events; and will evaluate market reactions to advertising programs, merchandising policy and product packaging. She will report to Beth Mack, chief merchandising officer.

NEW YORK-Andy Petricoff and Steve Pianowski have been appointed to newly created positions in the bedding product segment at Welspun USA.
Petricoff has been named vice president of brand management and bedding, responsible for all of the brands Welspun owns and licenses. Pianowski has become senior account executive of bedding, and will lead the company’s sales efforts to mass merchants and national chains for all bedding. Petricoff reports to Charles Gaenslen, chief operating officer of Welspun USA, and Pianowski reports to Petricoff.

PRINCETON, N.J.-Jeremy Jones has joined Miele USA as vice president of marketing, a new position with the company.
Most recently, Jones was the vice president of marketing at Unger Cleaning. He has also held executive positions at T-Fal.

AUSTIN–Matthew Briggs, president of Four Hands, will succeed founder Brett Hatton as chief executive of the company. Briggs will retain his president title and Hatton will become chairman.
Briggs first joined the company in 2001 as director of operations, and then became chief operations officer in 2003, vice president in 2005 and then president in 2007.

HUNTINGTON PARK, Calif.–Contemporary lighting and home decor company Nova has named Daniele Semeraro product design manager, where he will oversee the design process from development to completion.
Semeraro has previously worked at a Swedish car interiors company that developed materials for Volvo and Volkswagen, among other cars, as well as hospitality design company Hirsch Bedner Associations in the U.S. His background also includes extensive work in lighting design as well as the launching of his own company in Italy, which produced a stemless wine glass.

HIGH POINT. N.C. -- Schnadig International has brought on two executives and promoted a third to create what it calls its “strategic development team,” which will be led by Jeff Young, president and CEO of the company, which was acquired earlier this year by Markor, the big Chinese furniture concern.

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J.—Hunter Douglas has named Ron Kass executive vice president of marketing, and has appointed Jim Mathews senior vice president of marketing.
Both positions are new to the window-treatments manufacturer. In these new posts, Kass and Mathews are jointly responsible for the company’s consumer brand marketing and dealer-support programs. Kass reports to Marv Hopkins, president and chief executive officer, and Mathews reports to Kass.

READING, Mass.–Keurig has promoted David Manley to vice president and general manager of the Away from Home and Consumer Direct divisions, and has appointed Dwight Brown vice president of marketing for its At Home business, both newly created positions.
Manley, previously vice president of marketing for the two divisions, has assumed charge over all of the functions of the two businesses, including sales, marketing and product development. He reports directly to Michelle Stacy, Keurig’s president.

FORT MILL, S.C.–Laura Ashley Inc. has appointed Kwan Ng president, effective today. Ng succeeds Lawrence Chai, who retired yesterday.
Ng will oversee the licensing operations and business strategy for North and South America. He previously was the head of the global bath and home products brand Crabtree & Evelyn. He also spent five years as chief executive officer of Laura Ashley Holdings, PLC, in London, where he expanded the company’s home furnishings division and revamped the brand image.

NEW YORK–The Trump Corporation has appointed Evelyn Choi director of global licensing.
Choi has assumed responsibility for managing the Trump Home brand of furniture, mattresses, lighting and room decor. She is also in charge of identifying and securing new licensing opportunities for the Trump global brand. She reports to Cathy Hoffman Glosser, executive vice president of global licensing, and succeeds Sara Nemerov, who has left the company.

WALL, N.J.–Longtime tabletop executives Moira Gavin and Lou Scala have left WWRD, which includes the Waterford, Wedgwood and Royal Doulton brands, under an executive reorganization directed by Pierre de Villemejane, chief executive officer.
Michael Craig succeeds Scala, who was group vice president of the Americas for WWRD. Craig most recently was vice president of marketing at WWRD and has been with the company for three years.
The company said it is searching for a replacement for Gavin, who served as executive vice president of sales and marketing.

NATICK, Mass.–Leonard Schlesinger has been elected to the board of directors of BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Schlesinger is president of Babson College. Before taking this post last year, he served as vice chairman and chief operating officer of Limited Brands, where he oversaw operations for Express, Limited Stores, Victoria’s Secret Beauty, Stores and Direct, Bath and Body Works, C.O. Bigelow, Henri Bendel and the White Barn Candle Co.
Schlesinger’s academic career also includes faculty positions at Harvard Business School and Brown University.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Bill Fortson of BJ’s Home Accents, has been elected president of the Accessories Resource Team, the association for the decorative accessories industry. Also elected were Steve Crowder of Guildmaster, as executive vice president, and Kris Lindsey of Kinder Harris. The three will begin serving their terms Nov. 1.

CARLSTADT, N.J.–Industry veteran Stephen Hoberman has been named to the newly created position of national accounts manager at Momeni. Reporting to Austin Craley, vice president of sales, Hoberman will be based at the company’s main office here.
With almost 10 years of experience in the rug industry, Hoberman will establish and expand Momeni’s business in key distribution channels. He most recently served as national sales manager for the rug division at Kane Carpets, and previous positions include national accounts manager at Trans-Ocean.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Six new directors have joined the 13-member International Textile Market Association’s board of directors. ITMA produces the semiannual Showtime fabric events here.
New directors include Ismail Arslan, DeLeo Textiles; Wesley Mancini, Wesley Mancini Ltd.; Art Reilly, Van Lathem Inc.; and Robin Starnes, Covington New York. Board members serve a three-year term. In addition, Regenia Payne, Taylor King Furniture; and Jim Calhoun, Miles Talbott/Michael Thomas Furniture, have joined the board as industry liaisons.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Hollander Home Fashions has appointed Tim Landers as vice president and business manager for mattress pads and comforters.
Landers is responsible for the management of the company’s mattress-pad and comforter product lines, including developing and implementing merchandise strategies focused on creating new products. He reports to Beth Mack, chief merchandising officer, and succeeds Raoul Lopez, who has left the company.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–The International Housewares Association has announced the election of four new directors to its board, as well as its first international chairman, Robert Trudeau, chairman of the Canada-based Trudeau Corp.
The new directors are Evan Dash, chief executive officer, Dash Holdings Group, LLC; Kenneth Lefever, president, Wilton Armetale; Michael Magerman, president/chief executive officer, Quickie Mfg. Corp.; and Joseph Mollof, president/chief executive officer, World Kitchen, LLC. They will serve three-year terms that begin on Oct. 1.

PHOENIX–Mike Watson has been named executive vice president of finance, strategy and information and chief financial officer for aspenhome, the furniture company based here.
He previously was a managing director and partner with Mann, Armistead & Epperson, the investment banking firm that has a specialization in the furniture industry.
Bill Colegrove, aspenhome chief executive officer, said Watson’s “accomplished background in investment banking along with his domestic and international knowledge of the industry will be a great resource for us.”

TUCKER, Ga.–Jodi Burson has been promoted to the newly created position of marketing manager for Big Green Egg, the manufacturer of ceramic kamado-style cookers.

BOSTON–Heidi Kleinman has been appointed to the newly created position of national sales trainer by Spring Air International.
In her new post, Kleinman is responsible for the company’s retail and wholesale training programs working with both U.S. and international licensees. She also participates in developing and presenting Spring Air programs to retailers. Kleinman reports directly to Rick Robinson, Spring Air’s president.

CRANBURY, N.J.–Triangle Home Fashions has named Dennis Marton executive vice president, a new position for the manufacturer.
Marton is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations, including sales, marketing, new products and its e-commerce efforts. He reports directly to Triangle’s president and chief design officer, Jenny Zhu.
Most recently, Marton was a sales and marketing executive at Royal Doulton.

TUPELO, Miss.–Lane Home Furnishings has named Dan Sheehan senior vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for overseeing all marketing and advertising functions and helping direct its national sales force.
“I am pleased that Dan is joining our talented team at Lane,” said Greg Roy, president. “His experience in sales and marketing will be a tremendous asset as we continue to develop fresh and innovative furniture to drive results for our customers.”

BOTANY, Australia–Scott Meyer has been named president of Breville North America.
Meyer will assume charge of the company’s Housewares International operations in the United States and Canada on Sept. 1. He reports directly to the parent company’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Audsley. He replaces Cliff Clive, who has left the company.
Before joining Breville, Meyer was general manager of the faucet division at American Standard. He has also served as the president and chief executive officer of the T-Fal/Wearever unit of Groupe SEB.

VERNON HILLS, Ill.–Trisha Cardin has joined Focus Kitchen Group, a subsidiary of Focus Products Group, in the new position of director of marketing. Reporting to Mike Otterman, president of Focus Kitchen Group, Cardin will oversee the development and execution of a brand building strategy to redefine Amco Houseworks and Chicago Metallic as premium housewares brands through packaging, consistent product design and direct-to-consumer communication, a release said.

CARTHAGE, Mo.—Following up on the realignment of its direct-to-retail sleep-accessory brands under its Consumer Products Group, Leggett & Platt has repositioned several executives in the group.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–Dick Doyle, president of the International Sleep Products Association, has resigned.
Ryan Trainer, executive vice president and general counsel for the association, and Debi Sutton, vice president of marketing and member services, will assume Doyle’s duties while a search for his successor takes place, according to a statement from ISPA. A three-person transition team will reevaluate the organization’s strategic plan and lead the search for a new president, the statement said.

PHOENIX–Rich Garrity has joined aspenhome as the new executive vice president of global logistics and supply chain management.
Previously, Garrity oversaw the global supply chain and operations for CR Home Incorporated and Thomasville Furniture.

TRINITY, N.C.–Mike Murray has been promoted to senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for Sealy.
Murray assumes responsibility for the mattress manufacturer’s legal affairs, and reports directly to Larry Rogers, president and chief executive officer. He succeeds Kenneth Walker, who is remaining with Sealy in an as-yet unspecified position.

NEW YORK--Michael Jemal has been named chairman of the board for Haier America, and Shariff Kan has been promoted to president of the company’s newly created White Goods Group.

FORT WORTH, Texas–Catherine David has been named executive vice president of merchandising for Pier 1 Imports.
David’s most recent executive post was as president and chief operating officer for Kirkland’s, leading the retailer’s merchandising, planning, marketing and store teams. Her 24-year career in retailing also includes vice president and general manager positions with Sears Essentials, Sears Grand and The Great Indoors.

TORONTO–Kaela Forker Clary has been named vice president of business development for Umbra.
In this newly created position, which Clary will assume on Aug. 4, she will be responsible for product development and the company’s entry into new product categories. She reports directly to Les Mandelbaum, Umbra’s president and co-founder.
Clary’s most recent position was with American Pacific Enterprises, which liquidated last December. Joining the company in 1992, she was named co-chief executive officer with Jeremy Ozorio in January 2008.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Vicente Trius has been appointed executive vice president, president and chief executive officer of Walmart Latin America.
Information on who he is succeeding was not available.

CANONSBURG, Pa.-Groupe SEB has appointed John McCann as vice president of sales for its high-end brands. McCann succeeds Jack Thompson.
He previously was with Saeco, where he was responsible for sales and marketing. Lori Brodak, national sales manager, and key account manager Cheryl McFarland, Ed Sekowski and Alex Monasterio, will report to McCann.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill.–Comfort Solutions has appointed Chad Megard to the newly created position of vice president of sales and business development.
In this post, Megard is responsible for business development in the United States. He reports to David Binke, executive vice president of sales.

PHOENIX–Jena Hall, who helped put aspenhome on the furniture map, has been promoted to the newly created post of executive vice president of merchandising and design for bedroom, dining and occasional furniture.
She had previously been vice president for those areas.
In her new position, she will be responsible for strategic planning for all merchandising programs as well as visual merchandising. She will continue to be in charge of design and the overall design direction for the company’s products.

MINNEAPOLIS–The Target shareholders have elected all four incumbent director nominees to its board, rebuffing an attempt by an activist shareholder to have his nominees chosen.
Mary N. Dillon, Richard M. Kovacevich, George W. Tamke and Solomon D. Trujillo all received new terms as directors of the mass merchant. In addition, shareholders voted to set the size of the board at 12 members. The vote was a denial of the move by Bill Ackman, chief executive officer of Pershing Square Capital Management, a hedge fund that owns stock in Target.

CHICAGO–MMPI announced that Jenay Root has been named Director of Leasing for its L.A. Mart Gift Show. In her new position with MMPI, Root will play an integral role in all of the leasing and sales activity for the L.A. Mart Gift.

CONGERS, N.Y.–Casabella Holdings LLC has recruited Michael Karyo to manage and further expand its kitchen business, which will now include silicone and other materials. Karyo will work with the product development team to create products such as cutting boards, pot holders and bake mitts. An official title has not been assigned to him yet, the company said.
Karyo has extensive experience in silicone products, having founded Silicone Zone in 2001.

COMPTON, Calif.–Tracie Schor, director of marketing for Crown Crafts Infant Products, has been promoted to vice president of marketing.
Schor will continue to play key roles in product development, merchandising, building new partner relationships and enhancing relationships with current merchandising and channel partners. In particular, she will continue her efforts to build the company’s house brands, including NoJo & Kimberly Grant. Schor will also play an important role in developing new channels for existing and future products, both domestically and internationally.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Walmart Stores has named Brian Cornell president and chief executive officer of Sam’s Club, effective April 3. Cornell succeeds Doug McMillon, who became president and CEO of Walmart International last month. In his new role, Cornell will report to Mike Duke, president and CEO of Walmart Stores.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–GLM has appointed Melissa Engongoro and Randi Mohr to sales-manager positions connected with the New York International Gift Fair.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–John Walsh has been appointed to the newly created position of director of creative services for Leggett & Platt.
Walsh is in charge of the company’s design, Internet, printing and exhibit functions within its creative services division, and reports to Mark Quinn, executive vice president of marketing. His hiring signals that Leggett & Platt is enhancing the creative services department to improve the company’s visibility with customers, according to a Leggett & Platt statement.

SYOSSET, N.Y.–Fran O’Neill, co-founder and vice president of sales for Antrim, has retired, Stanton Carpet Corp. announced. O’Neill and Dan McGovern founded Antrim Carpets in 1997, and Stanton acquired the company ten years later.
O’Neill was instrumental in transitioning Antrim’s sales staff and continuing to grow the business, the company said in a release. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my almost 40 years in the flooring industry, and I am very grateful for the many terrific friends that I have made over the years,” O’Neill said. “I now look forward to a new phase in my life.”

NEW YORK–Andrew Skobe has been named chief financial officer of WestPoint Home.
Skobe, a 20-veteran of financial-management positions with several companies, will direct WestPoint’s financial operations from its headquarters here. He reports to John Piazza, president and chief executive officer. He succeeds Nelson Griffith, WestPoint’s controller who was interim chief financial officer.

FORT MILL, S.C.–Springs Global has restructured into two distinct business units.
Joe Granger will head the company’s Branded Business unit, which oversees its Springmaid and Wamsutta brands along with its licenses, Walt Disney World, Court of Versailles and Serta, among others. Harvey Simon is in charge of the Private Label business unit, which encompasses the company’s private-label products. Both executives report to Tom O’Connor, group president of Springs Global U.S.

FORT ATKINSON, Wis.–Verlo Mattress Factory Stores has appointed Sean Bergman to the newly created position of director of sales and retail development.
Bergman is responsible for assisting with the development, implementation and reinforcement of Verlo’s identity, brand and mission. He is also focusing on retail execution, and participates in training support to Verlo craftsmen and franchise owners. He reports to Keith Mackey, the retailer’s vice president.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Surya has named Seth King to vice president, sales and marketing, and Al Mortensen to creative director.
Previously vice president, business development, King will continue to work with overseas factories for production and distribution of product in his new role as well as remain an integral part in developing the company’s accessory lines. In addition, he will continue to cultivate relationships with the company’s retailers and wholesalers, as he expands the marketing department and works on implementing a new strategy for Surya.

NEW YORK–Josephine Dillon has been named sales and marketing director at French porcelain maker Bernardaud. Dillon reports to George Kakaty, president and chief executive officer. More information about the position was not available.
Dillon most recently served as vice president of marketing at tabletop company Portmeirion. Her position will not be filled there, a Portmeirion executive said.

MINNEAPOLIS–Brad Anderson, chief executive officer of Best Buy, will retire in June and be succeeded by Brian Dunn, currently president and chief operating officer. Dunn joined Best Buy in 1985 as a store associate and has served in various positions.
Anderson, who has been CEO since 2002, joined the electronics chain in 1973. He will remain on the board as vice chairman until his term expires in 2010.
During his tenure, Best Buy’s revenues rose from $17.7 billion in fiscal 2002 to $40.0 billion in fiscal 2008.

NEW YORK–Leigh Van Swall has been named senior director of licensing, and Jack McKenney has been appointed director of marketing at Brand Matter.
Van Swall is responsible for leading the new business development team and for sales initiatives for Brand Matter’s apparel brands. McKenney heads the company’s marketing and public-relations activities for the entire portfolio of brands. Both executives report to Rick Platt, the company’s president, and both positions are new in the company.

DALLAS–Mattress Giant has named Armando Murillo vice president of merchandising.
Murillo succeeds Errol Lebowitz, who retired in November.
Murillo is responsible for identifying new merchandising initiatives through manufacturers that already have products in the stores and those that are prospective partners. He also oversees the company’s Web site, store product offerings and other merchandise-related programs. He reports to Barrie Brown, chief executive officer.

WALL, N.J.–Rosenthal USA has named Glenn DeStefano president. DeStefano, most recently the vice president and general manager for Lenox dinnerware, succeeds Lou Scala as president and reports to Juergen Brueckner, sales director of Rosenthal worldwide. DeStefano began his new role on Monday.
Scala remains president of Wedgwood USA and Royal Doulton USA, and is the chief marketing officer of Waterford USA, Wedgwood USA and Royal Doulton USA.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.–Paul Smith has been appointed vice president of sales for the Western region at Ergomotion.
In this newly created position, Smith is responsible for managing the adjustable bed manufacturer’s business in Western states, including the development and implementation of customer sales-training efforts and working with the company’s marketing department. He reports directly to Kelly Clenet, president of Ergomotion.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Rizzy Rugs has expanded its sales management team with two new regional managers, the company has announced.
Rizzy’s parent corportation, Sheikh Bhullan Carpets, meanwhile, has been awarded ISO 9001: 2000 certification for meeting all requirements associated with dyeing, manufacturing, and exporting handmade carpets and rugs.

WASHINGTON–Joseph McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers, has been elected to the board of directors of the American National Standards Institute.
McGuire will begin his three-year term on the ANSI board on Jan. 1. The institute is a private, non-profit organization that oversees the creation and use of standards and guidelines for a variety of industries. AHAM is a standards development organization accredited by ANSI and maintains 19 performance standards, most of which are also accredited by ANSI, according to an AHAM statement.

STURTEVANT, Wis.–Andis Co. has appointed Gary Stanczyk vice president of sales, a newly created position.
In this position, Stanczyk is responsible for sales in all of Andis’ markets in the United States and Canada. He reports to Matt Andis, executive vice president of sales.
Before his appointment, Stanczyk was Andis’ vice president of retail sales, a position he took when he joined the company in 1999.

GAGGIO MONTANO, Italy–Mark Buss has been named president, chief executive officer and general manager-Americas for Saeco International.
This newly created position puts Buss in charge of Saeco’s operations in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina, and the heads of the subsidiaries—including John McCann, president of the U.S. unit—now report to Buss. He in turn reports to Stefano Folli, executive vice president of the corporate parent.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Betty Sawicki has been named senior sales and marketing manager for Jura-Capresso.
In this newly created post, Sawicki is in charge of managing and increasing the company’s premium-incentive business. She reports to David Shull, vice president of sales and marketing. Before this appointment, Sawicki was Jura-Capresso’s assistant sales and marketing manager.

SADDLEBROOK, N.J.–Nourison has named Jeff Gonzalez to fill the newly created position of director of furniture store sales, according to Alex Peykar, president of Nourison.
“Jeff has a proven track record in sales and sales management, and he will be an integral component of our sales organization as we continue our growth in furniture-store sales distribution,” Peykar said.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas has appointed trade-show industry veteran Phillip McKay to a new position created to oversee leasing in the gift, lighting, rugs and decorative accessories segments, said Robert Maricich, president and CEO, in a statement.
McKay, who joins World Market as its new senior vice president, will also be responsible for launching new product line categories, and the development of existing and future trade-show events at World Market Center. He will report to Maricich.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–Ron C. Curlee has left his position of director of visual merchandising for Highland House Furniture to pursue other interests, said Curlee in a press release.
He was with Highland Furniture for five years. The company could not be reached for comment.

NEW YORK–Textiles industry veteran Rick Platt has been appointed president of Brand Matter, a newly formed company that manages fashion brands.
Reporting to Bill Sweedler, chief executive officer, Platt is responsible for leading the Brand Matter executive team in marketing, licensing and growing the company’s stable of brands. Platt will also aid in the company’s pursuit of strategic acquisitions.

TOLEDO, Ohio–Mark Feldstein & Associates, which develops products and imports housewares and giftware, has named Michele Burke vice president of sales.
In this position, newly created in response to an increase in business and expansion into different markets, according to the company, Burke will be responsible for maximizing existing accounts and developing new strategic relationships. In addition, Burke, who reports to Mark Feldstein, president, will help develop account management personnel.

WATERBURY, Vt.–Michelle Stacy has been appointed president of Keurig, the coffeemaker unit of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
Stacy, who will take her new post on Nov. 3, succeeds Nick Lazaris who has left the company.
Before joining Keurig, Stacy served as managing partner of Archpoint Consulting, a professional-services firm. She will report to Lawrence Blanford, president and chief executive officer of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
She will be responsible for the overall direction of Keurig, known for its single-cup brewing systems.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holdings has named Michael Collins senior vice president of finance.
Collins will succeed J. Miles Reidy as chief financial officer prior to the end of the 2008 fiscal year.
Reidy, who will step down due to a family issue, will work with Collins to ensure an orderly transition, Sears said.
Collins joins Sears from General Electric Corp., where he was senior vice president of planning and analysis at GE’s NBC Universal division.

SANTA MONICA, Calif.–Joseph Tripp has been appointed as vice president of advertising sales at Cooking.com. He has more than 11 years of online advertising sales experience, and was most recently vice president of sales at LifeScript, a women’s health and fitness site.

FORT ATKINSON, Wis.–Jennifer Welsh has been appointed retail environment and merchandising manager for Verlo Mattress Factory Stores.
In this newly created position, Welsh is responsible for executing in-store experiences and activities, researching and reporting local market conditions to determine consumer experiences and expectations, and implementing any necessary corrective programs. She reports to Keith Mackey, vice president of the Midwestern mattress retailer.

ATLANTA–Steve Fendrich, president and chief operating officer of Simmons, will oversee all aspects of the operations of the nation’s number-two mattress manufacturer, effective tomorrow.

TAMPA, Fla.–Nearly three weeks after the resignation of its chief executive officer, Bob Hellyer, Spring Air has restructured its management.
The company has named Steve Cumbow, chief operating officer, as interim chief executive officer. Kevin Damewood, who was executive vice president of sales and marketing and who assumed Hellyer’s CEO responsibilities with Cumbow after Hellyer’s resignation, has left the company. Also, Al Podratsky, senior vice president of supply-chain management, and Greg Moore, vice president of human resources, have departed.

CLIFTON, N.J.–Francis Rowan has resigned as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Linens ’n Things.
Scott Hurd, vice president, controller and treasurer of the bankrupt retailer, will assume the additional post of chief financial officer on Oct. 6.

PRINCETON, N.J.–Greg Wallace has been appointed national sales manager for Christmas and gift for Shavel Home Products.
In this newly created position, Wallace is in charge of the management of Shavel’s sales representatives in these product categories, and the development of new and existing businesses in multiple channels of distribution. He reports to Jon Shavel, president and chief executive officer.

NEW YORK–Laurie Burns has been named director of permanent showroom building 41 Madison/The New York Merchandise Mart, and senior vice president of Rudin Management Company.
Burns, former executive director of the Atlanta Gift Mart, succeeds Carole Dixon, who announced her retirement in June and who will remain through the New York Fall Tabletop Show next month.

STANLEYTOWN, Va.–Albert Prillaman, longtime head of Stanley Furniture, has returned to the company as chief executive officer.
Prillaman succeeds Jeffrey R. Scheffer, who has resigned as president, CEO and director to pursue other interests.
In a statement from the company, Prillaman said he would focus on strategic issues targeted toward increasing shareholder value. Stanley Furniture has experienced disappointing financial results for some time, and has been undergoing a restructuring of its manufacturing operations, according to the statement.

WEST CHESTER, Pa.–QVC named Angie Simmons executive vice president of multichannel platforms, a new position.
She will be charged with delivering “a multichannel experience” to the TV retailer’s shoppers and oversee TV and online sales; creative design and development; TV broadcast operations, such as QVC.com, new media and broadcast technology; and program hosts, on-air guests and models.
Simmons most recently was QVC’s senior vice president of broadcasting and TV sales.

NASSAU, Germany–Housewares company Leifheit’s Supervisory Board has named Claus-O. Zacharias as its new chief financial officer, succeeding Frank Gutzeit. Zacharias has been managing director of NICI, a company in Altenkunstadt, Germany, that produces stuffed animals and other gift products.
Gutzeit is leaving the company by Sept. 30 to pursue other interests, the company said in a statement, and the board thanked him for his “commitment and reliability in a challenging phase of reorganization, and wishes him every success in his future career.”

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Serta has named Jim Nation, former president of Spring Air, to the newly created position of president of sales development. Also, Serta Mattress Winnipeg, one of the company’s Canadian units, has appointed Benjamin Kay as its president and chief operating officer.

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.–London Luxury has named Gail Nicholson vice president of design and product development and Judy Kaganowich creative director.
Both positions are new ones for the company. Nicholson is responsible for the development and creation of London Luxury’s new-product initiatives, while Kaganowich oversees the visual direction at point of sale and the packaging and branding of the company’s product lines. They both report to Marc Jason, chief executive officer.

VALLEJO, Calif.–Meyer Corp. U.S. has named Jay Zilinskas as managing director, a new position, from his position as chief merchandising officer.
Reporting to Stanley Cheng, chairman and chief executive officer, and Robert Rae, president, Zilinskas now has the responsibility for all sales, marketing and operational departments.
Zilinskas first joined the company in 1996 as a regional sales manager for Meyer Division Sales. He was then appointed national sales manager in 1998 and then vice president in 2000. In 2006, he became chief merchandising officer.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Jeff Siegel, president and chief executive officer of Lifetime Brands, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the International Housewares Association.
In addition, Steven Fraser, chairman and CEO of Wilton Products, and James Joseph, president and CEO of Oneida, have been elected as new directors, with terms beginning on Oct. 1.
Robert Trudeau, chairman of Trudeau, has also been elected vice chairman/chairman elect, and Bruce Kaminstein, president of Casabella Holdings, treasurer of the board.

DIAMOND BAR, Calif.–Luxury kitchen appliance company Dacor has appointed Stephen Joseph as vice president of marketing from his previous position of director of interactive and direct marketing.
In his new role, Joseph will oversee all aspects of managing the marketing department, including advertising, e-marketing, direct marketing, trade relations and field sales support. He has been with the company for nine years, and past positions within Dacor include operations, information technology and service.

NEW YORK–Kartell, the Italian manufacturer of design-oriented plastic furniture and lighting, has named Emanuele Corvo as managing director, Kartell U.S.
Corvo will oversee the company’s operations for the United States and Canada, where it has more than 150 retailers and distribution outlets.
Prior to joining Kartell, Corvo was general manager and vice president of sales for Calligaris USA, the Italian furniture company.

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.–Rick Heller has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Sleep Innovations.
Heller succeeds Joseph Lynch, who has left the company.
Before joining Sleep Innovations, Heller was a partner with Carl Marks Advisory Group, where he advised Sleep Innovations on financial and operational issues. Prior to this post, Heller served as CEO of The Steak-umm Co. and in executive positions with ConAgra Foods, Lea & Perrins, Frito-Lay and the Richardson-Vicks division of Procter & Gamble.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holdings’ chief marketing officer Maureen McGuire will leave the company at the end of the month for personal reasons, according to the company.
McGuire joined Sears in 2005 and has rebuilt the marketing organization, Sears said.
Senior vice president Richard Gerstein, who has led the Sears marketing team for the last year, will now direct marketing for Sears Holdings.

LOS ANGELES–Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., has named Mark Furlet vice president and general manager for the L.A. Mart, where he will oversee all operations, marketing, leasing and building support for the nearly 250 showrooms housed there. He replaces Michael Kessler, who left earlier this month to pursue other interests.
Furlet was previously the leasing director for The Chicago Market: Living and Giving at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. He will begin his new role immediately.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Sears Holdings named Guenther Trieb senior vice president and president of its exclusive Kenmore appliance, Craftsman tools and DieHard battery brands.
The position is new and was created in January when Sears organized the company around brand-centered business units in a bid to improve sales.
Trieb joins Sears Holdings from Procter & Gamble, where he most recently was vice president for P&G’s Western European Feminine Care Global business unit.

CARY, N.C.–Janet Reed has been appointed associate director of environmental research at Cotton Incorporated.
In this position, a new one for the organization, Reed is responsible for assessing all phases of cotton production and processing, identifying research opportunities and conducting scientific outreach efforts with retailers. She will also serve as a representative of the cotton production/manufacturing industry to the public. She reports to Kater Hake, vice president of agricultural research.

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.–Ingerid Mohn has joined Pillivuyt USA to work in conjunction with Alice Title as managing partners of the factory-owned distributor in the United States.
Mohn will serve as vice president of sales and operations and Title has been appointed vice president of marketing and logistics.
For the past five years, Mohn had been president at Linden Sweden, managing all aspects of operating and distribution. Information about who Mohn is succeeding or reporting to was not available at press time.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill.–John Case, president and chief executive officer of Electrolux Home Care Products, will leave his post in September.
An Electrolux statement said Case plans to become a teacher at CIMBA University in Asolo, Italy, in the university’s master of business administration program. Case has been on the university’s board of advisers since 2000, and he said teaching at the college level has been a longtime dream for him.

NEW YORK–Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. has named Frank Guzzetta as president, Ralph Lauren Home Collection, reporting to Roger Farah, president and chief operations officer, Polo Ralph Lauren.
Succeeding Barbara Deichman, who retired last year, Guzzetta will join the company on Aug. 11.

ABILENE, Kan.–Retailing veteran Jane Gilmartin has been appointed executive vice president and chief operating officer for Duckwall-Alco, the Midwestern department-store chain.
In this newly created position, Gilmartin oversees the company’s merchandising, marketing, supply-chain-management, store-layout and visual-presentation functions. She reports directly to Larry Zigerelli, president and chief executive officer, who himself joined Duckwall-Alco at the beginning of this month.

SOMERSET, N.J.–Art Bylin, president and chief executive officer of Royal Doulton USA, is stepping down in the wake of parent company Waterford Wedgwood PLC’s restructuring efforts in North America.
Waterford Wedgwood has begun to integrate its Wedgwood and Royal Doulton businesses in the United States and Canada, the company said. “As a result of the consolidation, Art Bylin has chosen to step aside and will be leaving in mid-August,” said Moira Gavin, president and CEO of the Royal Doulton/Wedgwood Ceramics Group.

CAMBRIDGE, Ontario–Natura World has appointed Scott Miller to the newly created position of vice president of sales for the United States.
Reporting to Larry Klein, executive vice president of sales, Miller is responsible for identifying and developing business opportunities with key U.S. accounts. He will also expand and manage Natura World’s U.S. sales force.
Before joining Natura World, Miller was senior vice president of sales for International Bedding Corp. His 18-year career in sales and sales management also includes executive positions with Simmons.

NEW YORK–WestPoint Home has appointed Paul Mischinski to the newly created position of executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.–John Griggs has been named vice president of sales at Ergomotion.
Griggs is responsible for managing and growing the company’s corporate-account business, developing and carrying out customer sales training, managing the Ergomotion’s team of independent sales representatives, and working with top management and the marketing department. He reports to Kelly Clenet, Ergomotion’s president, and succeeds Chris Doane, who died last year.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Leggett & Platt has created and filled new positions in its Consumer Products Group.

PALATINE, Ill.–Restonic Mattress Corp. has appointed Ron Passaglia, a 37-year veteran of the mattress industry, as president and chief executive officer.
Passaglia succeeds Stephen Russo, who had been interim president and CEO since late 2006 and who will remain on the company’s board of directors. Russo and Dan Kantor, Restonic’s chairman, have been refocusing the mattress manufacturer, restructuring its operations, and identifying strategies and opportunities. The company is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y.–Schonbek is strengthening its strategic marketing function with the addition of two positions.
David White has joined the crystal lighting manufacturer as vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for all sales, marketing and product development activities. He reports to Daniel Cohen, a member of the executive board of parent company Swarovski Crystal.

MONROE, Mich.–La-Z-Boy Inc. has made several management changes in its residential sales and marketing areas.
Greg White was appointed senior vice president of sales and merchandising, a new post in which he will oversee all sales and merchandising functions, as well as real estate and customer service. He reports to Kurt L. Darrow, president and chief executive officer of La-Z-Boy.
White, who has served the company since 1988 in various capacities, previously was vice president of merchandising since 1997, with the additional responsibilities for sales since 2004.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.–David Szczupak has been appointed executive vice president of the Global Product Organization for Whirlpool.
The move puts Szczupak in charge of the company’s global product businesses and strategic sourcing. He reports directly to Jeff Fettig, the company’s chairman and chief executive officer, and succeeds Mike Thieneman, who has retired.

RICHMOND, Va.–Hamilton Beach has named three of its executives to new posts.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Tim McGee has been named senior vice president and general manager of the office here of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.
The appointment puts McGee in charge of all aspects of MMPI’s High Point properties, including Market Square, The Suites at Market Square, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and National Furniture Mart. Reporting to McGee are Karen Olson, vice president of marketing; Steve Johnson, vice president of administration; Mike Snider, vice president of operations; and 25 other employees.

NEW YORK–Carole Dixon, the longtime senior vice president and director of showroom building 41 Madison, has announced her plans to retire.
“I decided it’s time,” she said. Dixon has no plans to go onto anything else other than her family. “You couldn’t do anything better than this,” she told HFN.
Rudin Management, owners of 41 Madison, has hired executive search firm Equinox Partners to find Dixon’s successor. Dixon will remain in place until a new director is appointed, and will help that person through the transition.

COPPELL, Texas–Craftmade International Inc.’s board of directors has appointed J. Marcus Scrudder, 40, to serve as the company’s chief executive officer, effective July 1.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Bill Stewart, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Kmart, is leaving parent company Sears Holdings Corp. to work on a campaign to protect gay marriage in California, a Sears’ spokesman confirmed.
His last day is June 30. A search for Stewart’s successor is under way at the company.

DALLAS–Mattress Giant has appointed Errol Lebowitz vice president of merchandising, a newly created position.
In his new role, Lebowitz is responsible for the retailer’s merchandising activities and will serve as its primary contact with bedding manufacturers. He reports to Barrie Brown, president of Mattress Giant. Steve Kyger, director of merchandising, now reports to Lebowitz.

EDINA, Minn.–Jens Sorensen, president of Varnamo, Sweden-based Linden International, will head the U.S. division Linden Sweden at the end of the month, following the departure of current president Ingerid Mohn, whose last day is June 27. In addition, Linda Arnesen has been named national sales and marketing manager, a new position, from her position of marketing manager.

ST. LOUIS–Furniture Brands International has named Dan Stone to vice president of strategy and business development, as interim leader of the company’s supply-chain organization. He succeeds Mike McBreen, who has left the company, according to a statement.
Ralph P. Scozzafava, Furniture Brands’ chief executive officer, credited McBreen with developing the blueprint for the FBN Asia organization and building a team to manage that operation.

NEW YORK–Bruce Porges, account manager in Croscill’s Dallas office, has retired.
Porges served in this position since 1990. He was involved in all aspects of the company’s J.C. Penney business, including bedding, window treatments and bath products. He reported to Dave Roman, vice president of sales.
Before joining Croscill, Porges was buyer for slipcovers and window treatments at Spiegel, and vice president of catalog operations for CHF Industries.
No successor has been named for Porges as of yet.

NEW YORK–Susan Lyne has stepped down as president and chief executive officer at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, the company announced today.
As a result, Robin Marino, president of merchandising, and Wenda Harris Millard, president of media, have been named to the positions of co-chief executive officers, reporting to Charles Koppelman, chairman of the board.
Lyne, who has been in this role for four years, will stay on as an adviser for a period of time to assure a smooth transition and will remain a director during that time.

STAMFORD, Conn.–Ron Diamond has become the sole president of Conair, taking charge of the company’s entire product line in the wake of the announced retirement of Barry Haber, co-president.
Diamond and Haber had been Conair’s co-presidents since July 2000, with Diamond responsible for the company’s personal care products and Haber overseeing the Cuisinart and Waring brands of small electrics. With this move, Diamond is in charge of the small electrics brands as well as the personal care segment.

FAIR LAWN, N.J.-Noritake has shrunk its American management ranks as part of an ongoing restructuring program.
Three positions have been eliminated: executive vice president and national sales manager; national bridal director; and advertising, sales and marketing coordinator. Steve Carmichael, Kim Havrilla and Judy Stern held these positions, respectively.

NEW YORK–Alan Kennedy has been appointed senior vice president of sales, and Linda Del Pozo has been named senior vice president of bath merchandising at WestPoint Home.

ALBERTVILLE, Ala.–Paragon has shored up its management team with the creation of five vice president posts and several recent management appointments at the family-owned wall decor company.
Kathy Opolka, who has served since 2001 in various sales positions, has been appointed vice president of business development, a new post. Opolka continues to be responsible for sales management in all market segments of the company, as well as the company’s 120 sales representatives.

NEW YORK–Sarah Palomba has been appointed corporate and marketing manager for Chris Madden Inc., the design firm.
In this newly created position, Palomba is responsible for working with J.C. Penney’s advertising agency, Saatchi and Co., and for coordination activities with the retailer’s public-relations agency, Loving and Co. The Chris Madden for J.C. Penny Home Collection has been offered at J.C. Penney since May 2004. Palomba reports to Barbara Marks, chief operating officer.

CHICAGO–Gordon Thom, president of Dyson U.S., has left the company.
According to a spokesman for Dyson U.S., Martin McCourt, chief executive officer of Dyson Worldwide, is now handling the responsibilities in this position. The company has also begun a search for Thom’s successor.
Thom joined Dyson in 1998 and established the company’s Japan office in that year. He set up Dyson’s U.S. offices in 2002, and was named president of the U.S. division in 2006.

NEW YORK–Carl Legreca has been named to the new position of president of Croscill, assuming charge over the marketing and merchandising of all of the company’s products.
Legreca, formerly president of the company’s bath division, will oversee Croscill’s bedding and window-treatment products as well. Reporting to him are Michelle Larovere, vice president of bedding, and Jack Mann, vice president of window products. Legreca reports to Doug Kahn, the company’s chief executive officer.
In addition, Julie Brady, president of bedding, has left the company.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–W.A.C. Lighting has named Matthew Wakeham marketing director.
In this new position, Wakeham will work closely with Sean Tham, vice president of marketing, to whom he reports, to manage the marketing department. He will also help oversee the firm’s advertising and public relations programs, direct mail and Internet marketing efforts.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill.–Gail O’Connell has been named vice president of creative and marketing services at Comfort Solutions.
In this position, O’Connell is responsible for marketing functions such as strategic planning, branding, integrated marketing, budget management and event management. She reports to Kent Lamoreux, who was recently appointed senior vice president of marketing and merchandising at the mattress manufacturer. A Comfort Solutions spokeswoman declined to say who previously held the vice president of creative marketing services position.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill.–Comfort Solutions has appointed Kent Lamoreux senior vice president of marketing and merchandising, and has named Philip Y. Shen director of international business.

NEW YORK–Continuing to beef up its senior ranks, Bloomingdale’s named Frank Berman vice president of marketing. Berman was most recently senior vice president of marketing for the tony department store chain.
In his new role, Berman succeeds Lisa Gavales, who left Bloomingdale’s in December.
He will continue to report to Tony Spring, who was named president and chief operating officer in February.

CONNELLY SPRINGS, N.C.–Jason Earles has been appointed vice president of sales and marketing at Circa 1801, a division of Valdese Weavers.
In this position, a newly created one for the company, Earles will lead the division’s sales efforts and work to establish the Circa 1801 brand identity in the marketplace. Circa 1801 is a supplier of contract fabrics that Valdese acquired last year, along with Guild 360, another contract supplier, from Joan Fabrics in an auction. Earles reports directly to Michael Shelton, Valdese’s president and chief executive officer.

NEW YORK–Lara Parrish has been appointed vice president of sales for Levinsohn Textile.
In this post, Parrish will oversee Levinsohn’s sales force and coordinate the company’s new product line, Backdrop, a trademarked program of upholstered headboards. She reports to Adam Levinsohn, president of Levinsohn Textile. She succeeds Shira Lowry, who left the company to take a position in the craft industry, according to a company statement.

ATLANTA–Frank Bifulco was named senior vice president and chief marketing officer of The Home Depot. Succeeding John Ross, who had been serving as the interim chief of the home center’s marketing department, Bifulco will report to Craig Menear, executive vice president, merchandising.
Ross will remain vice president, advertising.
Bifulco will direct strategic marketing, category marketing and brand development for Home Depot.

SAN FRANCISCO–Jerry Levin has resigned as chairman of the board at The Sharper Image, and is setting a course to purchase the retailer’s assets with other investors, according to a statement from the retailer.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–Chris Hudgins has been appointed vice president of government relations for the International Sleep Products Association.
Hudgins is responsible for providing staff support to the ISPA Government Relations Committee and the Sleep Products Safety Council. He reports to Ryan Trainer, the association’s executive vice president and general counsel. He has succeeded Bill Garber, who left ISPA to become director of government and external relations for the Appraisal Institute.

DALLAS–Cyril Ip, a co-founder of Oriental Accent Inc., has taken on the title of president of the decorative accessory importer.
He takes over the title from his brother and co-founder Richard Yip, who continues as chief executive officer. Ip reports to Yip.
Ip, who founded the company along with Richard Yip and his sister-in-law, Trea Yip, has overseen product development and traveled to factories for Oriental Accent since 1979. Ip will continue to manage the product development team for Oriental Accent.

RICHMOND, Calif.–Lisa Frudden has resigned her post as creative marketing director for Palecek, effective May 2.
After 24 years with the furniture and decorative home decor importer, Frudden is looking for a change of venue, she said. “I want to explore something different, like freelancing and consulting,” she told HFN.
Frudden, who has worked on many facets of the company’s marketing, merchandising and creative strategies, has already been asked to do some consulting for home furnishings firms, she said.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Phillips Collection has appointed Rick King as national director of sales and marketing, a newly created position to assist the company’s growth plans, the company said.
King, who has more than 30 years of executive management experience in sales, marketing, operations and product development, most recently served as vice president and general manager of Bluefish Home LLC.
He reports to Mark Phillips, chief executive officer and president.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–An outgrowth of its recent restructuring, Sears named Douglas Moore senior vice president and president of appliances. Moore most recently served as senior vice president of hard-lines merchandising.
This month, Tina Settecase, vice president and general merchandise manager of home appliances, retired after 35 years with the retailer.
Sears also named John Froman senior vice president and president of tools and lawn and garden.
Froman was most recently chief executive officer of Namco LLC, a regional chain of family recreation superstores.

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa.–ACCO Brands has named Martha Curren vice president and general manager of its Day-Timer brand business for the U.S., Canadian and international marketplace.
Curren, former president of Goebel, and prior to that, president of Lenox Collections, succeeds Joseph Winters, who has left to form a financial consulting firm. Curren reports to Kriss Kirchhoff, president, document finishing group, ACCO Brands Corp.
Day-Timer manufactures numerous time management stationery products, among other things.

OMAHA, Neb.–Midwestern discounter Pamida named Paul Rothamel president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Rothamel has served as interim CEO since November 2007.
Prior to his role as interim CEO, Rothamel was Pamida’s senior vice president of operations. Rothamel previously served as regional vice president of ShopKo Stores and held management positions with Target Corp.
Pamida is an affiliated portfolio company of private investment firm Sun Capital Partners.
When he was named interim CEO, Rothamel followed Larry Johnson, who left the company.

OMAHA, Neb.–Regional Midwestern discounter Pamida named Paul Rothamel president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Rothamel has served as interim CEO since November 2007.
Prior to his role as interim CEO, Rothamel was Pamida’s senior vice president of operations. Rothamel previously served as regional vice president of ShopKo Stores and held management positions with Target Corp.
Pamida is an affiliated portfolio company of private investment firm Sun Capital Partners.

PAWTUCKET, R.I.–CMI has named Roy Evans to the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing.
Evans comes to the company with three decades experience in the floor covering industry, having served most recently as executive director of national sales at Feizy. He has also worked for Milliken & Co. and Obeetee, among others.
At CMI, Evans will be responsible for the company’s entire sales and marketing function. He will report to Donald Scarlata, president of CMI.

DALLAS–American Leather has appointed trend expert and consumer behaviorist Amy Archer as director of merchandising, a new post.
Archer has experience in manufacturing and retail, from sales to merchandising, with a specialty in retail and consumer trends. In 2006, Archer was nominated for the WOW Award, which recognizes business leaders that have contributed to the success of the home furnishings industry. As trend expert, Archer has appeared on various television shows, in videos and in print media.

RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, Calif.–Designers Fountain Lighting has appointed Jeff Lehman as vice president of sales and marketing, a new post at the decorative lighting company.
Lehman brings nearly 30 years of experience in the lighting and ceiling fan industries to his new role, having held roles of increasing responsibilities at several companies. He served most recently as vice president of sales for Golden Lighting, and prior to that, national sales manager for Minka Lavery. Lehman will report to Greg St. John, senior vice president for Designers Fountain’s parent corporation.

ATLANTA–Newell Rubbermaid has named Nancy O’Donnell vice president of investor relations.
O’Donnell brings more than 20 years of experience in finance and communications to the company, including 10 years of direct investor relations experience. She served most recently as vice president of investor relations and corporate communications for Spectrum Brands Inc.

TRINITY, N.C.–David McIlquham has resigned as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Sealy, the nation’s number-one mattress manufacturer. Larry Rogers, president of Sealy North America, has assumed the post of interim CEO.
Sealy said it has begun a search for a permanent CEO.

WESTBURY, N.Y.–Donald Watros has been named vice chairman of Fortunoff. Watros joined NRDC Equity Partners in August 2006 and currently serves as managing director of retail operations, a position he will maintain alongside the Fortunoff assignment. NRDC, which also owns Lord & Taylor, officially acquired Fortunoff last week.

WESTBURY, N.Y.–As speculated by HFN last week, Charlie Chinni will end his year-long retirement to take the helm as chairman and chief executive officer of Fortunoff.
The retail veteran, who retired last year as executive vice president of home and jewelry for J.C. Penney, was upbeat on the challenge.
“I began my job today working with NRDC, parent of Lord & Taylor department stores” and now Fortunoff, Chinni said. “Were very excited about the synergies [the two chains] present.”

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.–Sculpture and home decor company Austin has announced that Maura Murphy has rejoined the company as director of marketing, reporting to Andrew Cymrot, senior vice president. She formerly served as district manager and director of special markets, where she gained experience in territory and product development and marketing. She also worked at Ellery Homestyles as merchandising manager of the decorative pillow, throw and bedding division.
In her new position, she will provide a greater level of service to Austin’s customers and sales team.

NEW YORK–Marking the latest in a series of senior appointments, Bloomingdale’s has named Bruce Berman president of Bloomingdale’s Direct, adding to his role as chief financial officer of Macy’s upscale division.
In this role, he will oversee Bloomingdale’s By Mail and Bloomingdales.com, reporting to Frank Doroff, Bloomingdale’s vice chairman.

CLEVELAND–TTI Floor Care North America, the parent company of the Hoover and Dirt Devil vacuum brands, has appointed Marty Gardner as vice president of sales and Carolyn Resar as vice president of marketing.

NEW YORK–Fortunoff Chief Executive Officer Arnie Orlick has stepped down, just a day before NRDC Equity Partners is expected to finalize its acquisition of the home specialty chain.
Fortunoff spokeswoman Arlene Putterman confirmed that Orlick is leaving Fortunoff, but could not supply any further details. A source said “it’s very possible” that Charles Chinni, former executive vice president and general merchandise manager of the home division of J.C. Penney, may succeed Orlick.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.–Pride Family Brands, a major manufacturer of outdoor furniture, has named Rory Rehmert to the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing for specialty stores and the contract division.
Rehmert, who takes office immediately, will report to Jamie Lowsky, chief executive officer.
Formerly vice president of sales and marketing for Meadowcraft, Rehmert has served as an officer on the board of the Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association for the past six years. In 2006 and 2007, he was the trade group’s president.

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–Lifetime Brands has appointed Jeffrey Berman to the newly established position of president, retail direct, where he will be responsible for the operations of the Internet and catalog segments of the company’s direct-to-consumer business.

NEW YORK–Bloomingdale’s today tapped Tony Spring, an executive who came up through the home ranks, to be president.
In his new role, Spring said he is looking forward to stoking Bloomingdale’s fashionable edge in home furnishings. He will oversee the division's stores, marketing, creative services, finance, operations and restaurants. His appointment comes as the upscale division of Macy’s beefs up its senior ranks and eyes accelerated expansion.
Since 2005, Spring has served as Bloomingdale’s senior executive vice president and director of stores.

STERLING, Va.–Fortessa has appointed Shu Feng Zhang to the new position of general manager, Asia, in the tableware company’s expanding international sales operations. Shu, who reports to Eric Hamberger, co-president and chief operating officer, will take on a multipart role at Fortessa, focused on building the company brand in China and, eventually, throughout Asia, according to Scott Hamberger, co-president and chief executive officer.
Shu was formerly sales manager at Libbey Inc.

CLEVELAND–Kichler Lighting has appointed Steve Falk, Russ Klingel and David Rohde as regional sales managers in the southern region of the United States, northeast region and central region respectively.

FRIANT, Calif.–The Specialty Sleep Association has elected Dale Read, editor in chief and publisher of Bedroom magazine, as president and treasurer.
In addition, Michael Nermon, founder and president of retailer Ergo Customized Comfort, was elected vice president. Mark Miller, president of InnoMax, and Dennis Boyd, president of Boyd Specialty Sleep and immediate past president of the association, were elected to the association’s board of directors.

NEW YORK–Paul Raffin has been appointed global group chief executive officer of Frette.
In his new post, Raffin oversees all of the operations of the Italian luxury-linens brand. He succeeds Enrico Marinelli, who is staying on as executive vice president in charge of licensing and emerging markets. Raffin joined Frette last year as executive in charge of the brand’s growth initiatives, including opening retail stores, expanding its wholesale operation, developing its new e-commerce platform, and directing product toward hotels and resorts.

LAS VEGAS–Furniture industry veteran Bob Maricich has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the World Market Center Las Vegas. 
Maricich was introduced at the market here today in what was a well-kept secret to fill a spot that had been open since Harvey Dondero’s departure last year.

KEWASKUM, Wis.–Regal Ware has announced the appointment of Luis Rey as president of its Kitchen Fair division, succeeding Gary Stephen, who announced his retirement at the end of 2007. Rey will assume responsibility for directing and conducting all aspects of the business of Kitchen Fair, its line of cast aluminum cookware sold exclusively via in-home sales.
In a related move, Carlos Perez has been named executive vice president of the Kitchen Fair division, having previously been vice president of sales for Kitchen Fair.

ST. LOUIS–Furniture Brands Internationals has appointed Alexander W. Hodges chief marketing officer, a newly created post, effective today.
Hodges was most recently vice president of marketing for Russell Athletic, a division of Russell Corp., leading all marketing and retail merchandising operations for that division. Prior to that, he served in roles of increasing responsibility at Eastman Kodak, and prior to that at SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline).

LENOIR N.C.–Broyhill Home Furnishings has added two merchandising positions.
Debbie Blackburn was named merchandise manager for occasional tables, and Linda Moretz was appointed merchandise manager for youth furniture. Blackburn and Moretz will report to Michael Foster, Broyhill’s vice president of merchandising for case goods.
Blackburn, who has 28 years of experience in furniture retailing, previously was Broyhill’s merchandise manager of Continents, an occasional accent collection, and was also director of Broyhill’s accessory program.

ATLANTA–Paul A. Doize has been appointed vice president for Aaron Rents’ real estate operations in the company’s sales and lease ownership division. In a statement this morning, the furniture manufacturing and rental company said Doize was previously the controller of the division, a position that also carried the title of vice president. His career with Aaron began in 1996 as division controller.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.–Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has appointed Vicente Trius executive vice president, president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Asia, International.
Trius, who joined Wal-Mart in 2006 as vice president of operations of the International Division, most recently served a president and CEO of Wal-Mart Brazil.
Trius reports to Mike Duke, vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores. Trius’ position is newly created.
Succeeding Trius will be Hector Nunez, effective Feb. 1. Nunez joined Wal-Mart Brazil in July 2006 as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

MINNEAPOLIS-After leading the retailer for 14 years, Bob Ulrich will retire as chairman and chief executive officer of Target Corp. on May 1. He will be succeeded by Gregg Steinhafel, the current president. Ulrich, who turns 65 in April, will stay on as chairman through the end of fiscal 2008.
Ulrich began his retail career as a merchandising trainee in 1967 at Dayton’s, the former department store division of Target Corp.

NEW YORK–Jan Vingerhoets, formerly executive vice president of Alessi USA, has left the company to join lighting company Artemide. He had been at Alessi for 11 years, and served as executive vice president since 2005.
Who or if Vingerhoets is succeeding someone at Artemide was not available at press time. Alessio Alessi, co-chief executive officer of Alessi, said that a new person has been hired to fill the position, though declined to give specifics at this time.

MEBANE, N.C.–Lee Hinshaw has been appointed president of international sales at Kingsdown, a newly created position.
Hinshaw is responsible for overseeing all retail channel sales outside of North America, South America and Central America. He continues to report to Pat Flippen, Kingsdown’s president and chief operating officer. From 1996 to his recent appointment, Hinshaw was vice president of international sales, and since 2003, he has been headquartered in Asia.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Kelly Moore has been named general manager of Mohawk Home’s Floor Mat Division. The position finds him responsible for product and business development for the floor mat business.
Moore is returning to Mohawk, where he began his career 13 years ago. He has since held positions in sales, product and business development, serving most recently as vice president of Home Centers at Oriental Weavers of America.
Mohawk did not say by press time whether the position was new. Moore will report to Rocky Casteel, vice president and general manager.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Belk has named Kathy Bufano president of merchandising and marketing, effective Jan. 17.
Bufano joins Belk from The Vanity Shops, a specialty chain. In her new role, Bufano will report to H. W. McKay Belk, president and chief merchandising officer. A 30-year retail veteran, Bufano has held senior merchandising posts with retailers such as Sears Roebuck and Co., Macy’s East and Lord & Taylor.
Bufano succeeds Mary Belk, who left the company in May 2006.

HONG KONG–Phoenix Art Co. has appointed Alan Wertheimer to the new title of president.
For the past two and a half years, Wertheimer has served as vice president of international sales for Phoenix Art, a China-based home furnishings manufacturer that sells accessories, furniture and lighting to importers. Wertheimer, who is based in New York, will focus on growing sales through European Union companies. He continues to report to Michael Kraft, chairman and founder.

GOOSE CREEK, S.C.–Quoizel has named Richard H. Soard as creative director of design.
In this newly created position, Soard will manage product direction, creation and selection at the diversified lighting company.
Soard most recently was vice president of design at Arteriors Home, and prior to that, vice president of design and product development for Currey & Co. Soard reports to Ed Clark, senior vice president of Quoizel.

GOOSE CREEK, S.C.–Quoizel has named Richard H. Soard as creative director of design.
In this newly created position, Soard will manage product direction, creation and selection at the diversified lighting company.
Soard most recently was vice president of design at Arteriors Home, and prior to that, vice president of design and product development for Currey & Co. Soard reports to Ed Clark, senior vice president of Quoizel.

ST. LOUIS–Ralph Scozzafava today was appointed chief executive officer of Furniture Brands International, succeeding W.G. “Mickey” Holliman, who will remain as chairman until May 1.
The move follows a plan that Furniture Brands announced when Scozzafava was named vice chairman in June. Scozzafava had been vice chairman of Furniture Brands’ board, and chief executive officer-designate since last June. He had been with the company upon its acquisition of Lane Furniture Industries in 1987. Formerly, he served as a vice president of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.

FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.–Venus Home, a division of Venus Group, has named Cynthia Lerner as corporate design director, effective Jan. 1.
Lerner will assume charge of the company’s design and product-development efforts for bath products, sheets, top-of-the-bed products and beach products. She reports to Raj and Kirit Patel, the co-owners of Venus Group. She succeeds Vivie von Walstrom, who left Venus Home to pursue other interests.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill.–Comfort Solutions by King Koil has named Brent Biermann vice president of sales for the North Central region, and has appointed Scott Denton vice president of sales for the Eastern region.

NEW YORK–William Tracy has been named chief operating officer of Fortunoff.
Tracy was most recently chief operating officer for Nine West Footwear Corp. Prior to joining Nine West Corp., he was the senior vice president of store operations for Lord & Taylor. He began his career with Abraham and Straus Department Stores, where he held a number of positions.