TUALATIN, Ore.—Steve Grutbo has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing for the housewares division of Kai USA Ltd.

Grutbo, who has been with the company since 2009 and most recently served as national sales manager, will assume leadership of the division effective February 8 and will report directly to Hiroshi (Jack) Igarashi, chief of North American operations and managing director of Kai Corporation in Japan.

He succeeds Kurt Zanner, who is returning to the Midwest to pursue personal and family goals, the company said.

YORK, Pa-The Bon-Ton Stores has appointed former Lord & Taylor chief Brendan L. Hoffman president and CEO, effective Feb.7.

Hoffman, who will also be elected to the board of directors, succeeds president and CEO Bud Bergren, who is a current member of the board and will become chairman. Upon Bergren’s transition to chairman, Tim Grumbacher, currently serving as executive chairman, will remain a director.

NEW YORK–Meyer Corporation has signed a multi-year lease for its Forty One Madison 3,000-plus square-foot showroom and has appointed veteran tabletop executive Helene Branisel director of sales for tabletop, a newly created position.
The move follows Meyer’s recent launch of Paula Deen and Rachael Ray tabletop collections.

LOS ANGELES–City of Hope’s 2012 Spirit of Life honorees are Jeff Seaman, the CEO of Rooms to Go; and Bob Sherman, CEO of the Serta Mattress Company. Both honorees have raised funds and heightened awareness for City of Hope within the National Home Furnishings Industry.

NEW YORK–Tim Belk, chairman and CEO of Belk Inc., and Laura Sen, president and CEO of BJ’s Wholesale Club, have been elected to serve on the board of directors of the National Retail Federation.

MINNEAPOLIS–Sebastien Tavenas has joined Julia Knight Inc. as vice president of global sales, a newly created position.

Tavenas, who is trilingual, was most recently the executive director of the French Chamber of Commerce in Minneapolis. He also previously served as international sales director for the Richemont Group and has sales, marketing and branding experience with high-end companies such as Lancel and Cartier.

STOCKHOLM–Electrolux has appointed Stefano Marzano to the newly created role of chief design officer.

MEDIA, Pa.–FXI, formerly known as Foamex International, has named Diane Adams senior vice president and head of its newly created consumer products division.

Adams is in charge of the company’s efforts toward developing consumer products using the company’s polyurethane foam, health-care foam and specialty comfort innovations. She is also responsible for Anatomic Global, the mattress manufacturer acquired by FXI last year. She reports directly to John Cowles, president and CEO.

CLOSTER, N.J.–Jura-Capresso has named Thomas McMahon to the newly created position of director of sales.

McMahon is responsible for managing sales-representative groups and accounts in 19 states. His appointment is part of Jura-Capresso’s expansion of its sales-management team, which now includes three directors of sales. McMahon, along with Directors of Sales Lisa Biddle and John Evans, reports to David Shull, vice president of sales and marketing.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Lexington Home Brands announced the promotion of long-time chief financial officer Craig Spooner to the newly created position of chief operating officer for the company.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Hollander Home Fashions has promoted Beth Mack to president of sales and merchandising and Bill Deliberti to senior vice president and national sales manager.

Mack, formerly chief merchandising officer, is now in charge of the company’s sales, merchandising and marketing departments, and reports directly to CEO Chris Baker. She has been with Hollander since 1996, serving as sales executive, vice president of merchandising and senior vice president of merchandising before becoming chief merchandising officer in 2009.

MINNEAPOLIS–Select Comfort has appointed Michael J. Harrison, chief brand officer for Timberland, to its board of directors.

The addition of Harrison expands the company’s board to nine directors. Harrison will also serve as a member of the board’s audit committee.

MATTHEWS, N.C.–Family Dollar has promoted Paul White to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

The move puts White, who joined the dollar-store retailer earlier this year as senior vice president of apparel, home and seasonal, in charge of Family Dollar’s overall merchandising strategy. He reports directly to Michael Bloom, president and chief operating officer, and has succeeded Dorlisa Flur, who was promoted to vice chairwoman of strategy and chief administrative officer in the fall.

ATLANTA–Brad Hill and Scott Smalling have been appointed to new positions within Simmons’ specialty division.

Hill has been named senior vice president and general manager of specialty products North America, putting him in charge of the division. Smalling has become chief of specialty innovation, responsible for the development of new foam specialty products. Both executives report to Simmons’ CEO, Gary Fazio.

NEW YORK–Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ leading charitable organization, announced today that trailblazing architect and developer John C. Portman, Jr. will receive a special Legend for Life honor at the organization’s gala event to be held here on Jan. 29.

This award, which is being presented upon the 20th anniversary of Gift for Life, recognizes Portman’s more than five decades of entrepreneurship and service to the industry.

HIGH POINT, N.C. and LAS VEGAS-International Market Centers has promoted four members of its High Point- and Las Vegas-based leasing teams.

Julie Messner, Craig Staack, Lee Hershberg and Margaret Powers were promoted to vice presidents, responsible for advancing new business opportunities.

MINNEAPOLIS–Target has promoted Casey Carl to the newly created positions of president of multichannel and senior vice president of merchandising.

SADDLE BROOK, N.J.–Nourison has named Denise Waters account executive for its East Texas and Louisiana territory, responsible for managing and developing business within the area, which includes a product line of more than 60 active area rug collections, broadloom and runner lines — including the newer Nourtex brand — and the Mina Victory line of decorative accessories.

A sales professional with a design background and industry experience in outside sales, Waters was most recently an independent agent and previously held sales positions at Masland Carpet.

LOS ANGELES–French-based gadget maker Mastrad has named Mark Cassin its new U.S. managing director, in charge of directing and overseeing the United States market.
  

PLANO, Texas–A slew of one-time charges brought a $143 million net loss to J.C. Penney in its fiscal third quarter.

The charges comprised items including the disposition of the retailer’s outlet business, a voluntary early retirement program, process improvements in the company’s supply chain and home office, and costs incurred in the transition of its management. Without these charges, J.C. Penney would have had net income of $24 million for the quarter, which ended on Oct. 29.

NORTHBROOK, Ill.–Sascha Bopp, chief operating officer of Crate and Barrel, will become CEO of Crate and Barrel next April. Barbara Turf, current president and CEO, will retire at that time.

Marta Calle, now director of the company’s CB2 unit, will become president of Crate and Barrel, overseeing merchandising and marketing. Calle will report to Bopp.

ATLANTA–Mary Sullivan Harper has been named to the newly created position of senior vice president of leasing for AmericasMart Atlanta’s Building Two permanent gift showrooms, following her more than 14 years’ gift franchise leadership. She reports to Dave Savula, executive vice president of leasing for buildings 1, 2, and 3, and 2 West Wing.

MINNEAPOLIS–Doug Scovanner, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will retire on March 31, 2012.

Scovanner began his career with the mass merchant in 1994 as senior vice president of finance of what was then known as Dayton Hudson Corp. (renamed Target Inc. in 2000). He became chief financial officer later in that year, and was named executive vice president and chief financial officer in 1999.

TRINITY, N.C.–Stephen Stickler has been promoted to vice president of product merchandising for Sealy.

In his new post, Stickler oversees product-development activities for all of Sealy’s brands, including Sealy Posturepedic, Stearns & Foster, Embody by Sealy, Bassett and private-label lines. He has been with the mattress manufacturer for 12 years, most recently as director of national accounts.

Prior to joining Sealy, Stickler served in various management positions with Milliken and Co.

DALLAS–Loloi Rugs has appointed Austin Craley to the new position of vice president of sales, where he will manage the company’s sales team. Reporting directly to Amir and Steven Loloi, founder/president and principal, respectively, Craley will be based in New Jersey.

With more than 26 years of experience in the rug industry, Craley was most recently vice president of sales at Momeni Rugs, where he was for 10 years. Prior to that, he held the same position at Kas Rugs, and has also been a buyer for handmade and machine-made rugs at Macy’s.

DALLAS–John Whorton has joined Feizy Rugs as regional sales manager for Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico. Reporting to Dale Sweary, Feizy’s vice president of sales, Whorton succeeds Bethanye Nicholson, who is taking a different position within the company.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Belk has named Mark Chandler executive vice president of operations.

Reporting to Johnny Belk, president and chief operating officer, Chandler has assumed responsibility over the retailer’s supply-chain, inventory-management, strategic-sourcing and overall retail operations. He has succeeded Ron Shealy, who retired earlier this year.

NEW YORK–Dennis Keehn has been named to handle the advertising, marketing and website for 230 Fifth Ave.

Keehn’s appointment marks a return to 230 Fifth Ave., also known as the New York Market Center. From 1991 to 2008, he created advertisements for the showroom building.

Keehn’s career has included 35 years of experience in marketing and advertising. His clients have included Bloomingdale’s, Timex, the 225 Fifth Ave. Gift Building, Colgate-Palmolive, the 200 Lexington Ave. Design Center, Kurt Adler and Signooria.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.—Walmart has appointed Sylvia Mathews Burwell president of the Walmart Foundation.

Burwell will take her post in January 2012, succeeding Margaret McKenna, who retired as of last Friday. She will assume charge over Walmart’s charitable giving efforts and its Global Women’s Economic Empowerment Initiative, as well as guiding  the company’s social, environmental and economic-opportunity efforts in Africa. She will report to Leslie Dach, executive vice president of corporate affairs.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla.–Pride Family Brands has named Steve Lowsky to the post of president of the casual furnishings manufacturer.

Lowsky previously held the position of executive vice president. As president, he will continue to oversee all financial, marketing and production fulfillment activities

The announcement comes as the company begins its 35th year in the casual furnishings industry.

ANDERSON, S.C.–Orian Rugs has appointed Brandon Culpepper vice president of sales and business development, a new position. Reporting to Wim De Pape, chief operating officer, Culpepper will be responsible for building Orian’s account base and growing its existing business.

“Brandon will thrive in this new position,” said De Pape. “His industry knowledge, relationships and expertise will play a vital role in the future growth and development of our company.”

BOSTON-Kristine Kennedy has been named editorial director of wayfair.com, a website that carries home furnishings.

Kennedy thus has assumed responsibility over the site’s content and the strategy behind that content in this newly created position. This may eventually include creating interactive planning tools and trend information, overseeing photography, forming partnerships with design experts, operating a blog and initiating outreach by way of social media. She reports to Eric Klose, senior vice president of sales and marketing.

BOCA RATON, Fla.—Hollander Home Fashions has named Mark McKenzie sales vice president.
 
McKenzie is responsible for sales to the company’s key accounts on the West Coast, and is based in San Francisco. He reports to Kay LeGrange, president of sales.
 
Before joining Hollander, McKenzie operated his own sales firm, Full-McKenzie, which he founded in 2009. He also worked in various executive posts for Bullocks, Springs Global and Westgate Home.

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill.–Hearthware has named Alice Pace and Becky Sarwate to newly created positions in the company.

Pace has joined Hearthware as patissiere (baker), reporting to Jennifer Epker Dawes, executive chef. Her responsibilities include creating and testing recipes for the company’s product line, including the NuWave Pro Infrared Oven and the NuWave Mini Infrared Oven. She also assists in the recipe and instructional videos that appear the NuWave oven owners’ exclusive website, nuwavecookingclub.com.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.-John Steele, a decade-long veteran of Jamison Bedding, has been promoted to the newly created position of director of sales.
 
In his new post, Steele, formerly sales manager, will concentrate on building and supporting current Jamison business, expanding into new markets and directing field sales operations in the southeast. He also will be responsible for implementing strategies that support the company’s newly established brand direction, “We Make Sleep Different.”  
 

MINNEAPOLIS–Michael Francis, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Target, has left the retailer.

Francis had been with Target for more than 25 years. In January, along with his marketing responsibilities, he was named to oversee the company’s brand extension into Canada, after Target had announced it would be purchasing the leaseholds on Zellers locations north of the border, preparing for the opening of its first Canadian stores beginning in 2013.

A brief statement issued by Target this morning did not name a successor.

CARTHAGE, Mo–Leggett & Platt has promoted Perry Davis to president of its Residential Furnishings segment.

The move is effective Feb. 18, 2012. Davis will succeed Paul Hauser, who has held the post since 2006 and who is retiring. A 30-year Leggett & Platt veteran, Davis has served as president of the Bedding Group for the past five years. He reports to Carl Glassman, chief operating officer.

MATTHEWS, N.C.-Edward P. Garden, chief investment officer and a founding partner of Trian Partners, has been chosen as a director on the Family Dollar board of directors.

Garden is also a member of the board of The Wendy’s Co., and has served on the board of Triarc Cos., at which he was also vice chairman. He was also a managing director at Credit Suisse First Boston.

HICKORY, N.C.–Don Coleman, president and CEO of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, announced his plans to retire this December after 39 years with the company. He has been president and CEO of the company since 1996.

MORGANVILLE, N.J.–Bell’O International named industry veteran Steve Howcott as its national accounts sales director.

Howcott has an extensive history in the consumer electronics industry, spending the last 24 years at JVC in sales and marketing.

As the national accounts sales director, Howcott will focus on growing the company’s national account base.

NEW YORK-Product development and marketing company StoreBound has appointed two industry veterans to its executive management team: Adam Cotumaccio as COO and Shaun Mackenzie as senior vice president/national sales manager.

Cotumaccio was most recently Global COO for Kinetic Worldwide, one of the world’s largest out-of-home media agencies. Cotumaccio’s career includes buying and planning positions for May Company and Macy’s, as well as founding The Leverage Group.

ROSEMONT, Ill.–Richard Boynton Jr., president and CEO of Jura-Capresso, has been elected chairman of the International Housewares Association.

Boynton will succeed Bruce Kaminstein, CEO of Casabella. In addition, William Reibl, president of Bill Reibl & Associates, has been elected vice chairman and chairman-elect. Michael Magerman, president and CEO of Quickie Manufacturing, has been elected treasurer.

ST. LOUIS–Magnet Works, a provider of indoor and outdoor home decor accessories, has appointed Anne Brown director of product development and promoted vice president Tammy Hickel to executive vice president and general manager.

“We’ve decided it’s time to take Magnet Works to the next level,” said Curt Todd, CEO and co-founder of Magnet Works. “Ann and Tammy have the industry experience, creativity and focus to get us there.”

ATLANTA–Michelle Barton has been named senior vice president and controller at AmericasMart Atlanta in a promotion elevating her role within the company’s financial operations and emerging business growth strategies, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and chief operating officer of AmericasMart Atlanta and its AMC, Inc., parent entity.

ATLANTA–Jack Ryan returns to AmericasMart as acting chief financial officer.

Ryan will direct all AMC financial operations and will help to represent AMC’s interests across the financial community at large. He rejoins AMC following his 2001 retirement from its presidency, which he held from 1994. A financial industry veteran, he has more than 22 years with the AMC-affiliated Portman Companies.

ATLANTA–JoAnn Miller-Marshall has been named executive vice president of AMC Tradeshows in an advancement bringing all AmericasMart home, gift and apparel and LIGHTFAIR International sales under her direction, according to Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and chief operating officer of AmericasMart Atlanta and its AMC, Inc., parent entity.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–Safavieh has promoted Yervant Varjabedian to director of international sales, a new position. 

A fourth-generation rug industry veteran, Varjabedian has been with Safavieh for 12 years, serving in various sales management capacities. He will continue to oversee key, long-standing national accounts.

NEW YORK–J.Queen New York has tabbed Mike Walsh as account executive for the Midwest and West Coast regions.

In this newly created position, Walsh covers the sales activities to customer accounts in this regions, and reports to Dave Roman, vice president of sales. He works out of J.Queen’s recently established office in Chicago.

J.Queen will show its new collections of fashion bedding, window treatments and bath accessories during the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market at its showroom on 37 West 20th St. here.

NESQUEHONING, Pa.–E.L.K. Lighting Group has named Jason Evans to the position of eastern division manager, reporting to James Ashley, vice president of sales and marketing.

Among Evans’ duties will be managing the lighting showroom sales force in the eastern U.S. and implementing sales programs across the company’s brands: E.L.K. Lighting, Landmark Lighting, Sterling Industries, Bailey Street, Nulco Lighting, Artistic Lighting & Design and Dimond.

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.–Zuo Modern has hired Johnnie Smith as its new national sales manager, effective immediately.

Smith will work with Zuo Modern’s sales force to improve its direct container program, the company said in a press release. She will attend the major markets in Las Vegas, Chicago, and High Point to help facilitate the sales program.

Smith was previously the sales manager for Pastel Furniture.

“I am very excited to be a part of the Zuo Modern Family,” Smith said.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.-Smith’s, the maker of Edgeware knife sharpeners and kitchen tools, has appointed Sonja Berton national sales manager, housewares. She will report to Mark Adkison, vice president of global sales, and her responsibilities will include managing the Edgeware sales force of more than 50 independent manufacturers’ representatives across the U.S. She succeeds Mark Harris, who left the company earlier this year.

Berton was most recently the sales manager at MUKitchen.

CARLSTADT, N.J.–Momeni has promoted three executives to its sales management team. 

Stephen Hoberman has been promoted from national accounts manager to national sales manager, where his key responsibilities will be to manage and expand Momeni’s national sales organization into new and existing avenues of business. Hoberman has been with Momeni for two years, prior to which he held executive positions at both Kane Carpet and Trans-Ocean Imports. He will report to Ali Momeni, senior vice president.

MONZA, Italy—Frette has named Laurence Franklin as its new CEO.

Franklin succeeds Jeff Hansen, Frette’s chairman and partner of JH Partners, Frette’s controlling shareholder. Hansen will remain as chairman.

ST. LOUIS, Mo.–Chip Stewart has been appointed as the new vice president, sales of Drexel Heritage. In this position, Stewart will be responsible for all sales activities and the sales organization at Drexel Heritage, a division of Furniture Brands International.

Stewart has been a regional sales manager within Furniture Brands since 2009. Most recently he was at Lane Furniture, where he was responsible for sales in the Mid-Atlantic region.

ATLANTA–After more than three decades leading the AmericasMart Atlanta area rug franchise and its predecessors, Chas Sydney has retired as senior vice president of AMC, AmericasMart Atlanta’s parent entity. This coincides with the conclusion of the most recent Atlanta International Area Rug Market and Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.

Kevin Malkiewicz, AMC’s newest vice president, assumes all area rug center leasing and management responsibilities with Sydney’s departure.

PLANO, Texas–Mike Boylson, executive vice president and chief marketing officer of J.C. Penney, has retired after 32 years with the department-store retailer.

Boylson announced that he intended to retire in early June, according to a J.C. Penney spokeswoman. Bill Gentner, senior vice president of marketing planning and promotions, will serve as interim chief marketing officer while the company conducts a search for Boylson’s successor.

CARLSBAD, Calif.–Wine accessory company Vinturi has appointed Carla Hunter as its new director of consumer marketing.  

“In this newly created role, Ms. Hunter will lead and develop the global sales and marketing plan for housewares and other retail channels,” said Rio Sabadicci, inventor of Vinturi products and CEO of Vinturi, Inc.  “She will guide the direction of the business and its marketing communications and public relations initiatives that will increase product and brand awareness among consumers.”

NEW YORK–Interior designer and former editor-at-large of Domino magazine Tom Delavan was announced as Gilt Home’s new editorial director last night at a dinner Gilt Home hosted for press and interior designers. Gilt Home, as previously announced, will relaunch its site this fall, to include full-priced and one-of-a-kind items as well as editorial content and its flash sale component.
 

ADDISON, Texas–Mattress Giant has named Michael Bookbinder executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.

Bookbinder has assumed the leadership over the specialty retailer’s merchandising and marketing teams, and over the business arrangements involving the company’s vendors. As executive vice president, he is also involved in decisions regarding Mattress Giant’s future direction and planning. He reports directly to Michael Glazer, president and CEO.

LONDON–Designers Guild has taken showroom space at 230 Fifth Ave., New York City, and has named Oliver Newman vice president of U.S. sales.

MONROE, Mich.—­La-Z-Boy Incorporated announced a series of leadership changes today, including the retirement of Dave Layman, the senior vice president of residential operations.

Layman, who has been with the company for 40 years, will retire at the end of fiscal 2012, next spring.

CHICAGO-Trade Associates Group has appointed Erica Friedman to direct and manage tag product development, working closely with the tag design and sourcing teams.

TORONTO–Sears Canada has made its second key high-executive appointment in less than a week, appointing Scott Silver as executive vice president of merchandising for home and hardlines.

SADDLE BROOK, N.J.–With more than 20 years of marketing and advertising experience, Thomas Itty has been named marketing director at Nourison Industries. He will be responsible for all marketing and promotional efforts at the company, including consumer and trade events, public relations, advertising, web and social media, and will oversee the in-house marketing department. Itty reports to Alex Peykar, principal at Nourison.
 

ATLANTA-Michael Polk will become president and CEO of Newell Rubbermaid on July 18, succeeding the retiring Mark Ketchum.

Most recently, Polk was president of global foods, home and personal care at Unilever, prior to which he served in several high-level positions in a 16-year tenure with Kraft Foods. Michael Cowhig, chairman of Newell Rubbermaid’s board of directors, cited Polk’s “proven record of growing global brands, driving change and delivering superior financial performance.”

MINNEAPOLIS-As part of a new management structure, Select Comfort has promoted Shelly Ibach to the newly created position of chief operating officer.

Previously the company’s executive vice president of sales and merchandising, Ibach now assumes charge over consumer insights, sales, marketing and product management.

PLANO, Texas–J.C. Penney has named Ron Johnson, the senior vice president of retail at Apple for more than a decade, to be the company’s chief executive officer starting Nov. 1.

Johnson will report to outgoing CEO Myron Ullman, who will become executive chairman. Johnson also joins the company’s board of directors, effective Aug. 1.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Capel Rugs has appointed Ron Bristow showroom manager of its High Point showroom, located in Market Square Space 112. Previously in sales management with Capel, Bristow reports to Allen Robertson, vice president of sales.

In his new role, he will be responsible for sales and visual merchandising of the showroom and will work closely with interior designers to help them select rugs. Before joining Capel, he was with Hendricks Furniture Group.

DALLAS–Upholstered furniture manufacturer Massoud has appointed industry veteran Ronna Griest to the newly created position of creative director.

In her new role, Griest will be responsible for the overall creative direction of the line, including fabric selection, frame development and trade showroom merchandising. She will also work closely with Massoud’s sales team, dealer and designer customers to help shape and strengthen the company’s marketing and merchandising direction. Griest will report directly to Massoud CEO Chuck Massoud.

CHICAGO–David Kroll has joined Dyson as vice president of U.S. marketing.

Kroll has thus assumed responsibility for expanding the marketing team in this country for the United Kingdom-based manufacturer of vacuum cleaners, fans and hand dryers. He reports directly to Max Conze, president of the U.S. unit, and he has succeeded Caroline Errington, who has left the company.

CINCINNATI–Procter & Gamble has appointed Patrice Louvet president of its Global Male Grooming unit.

The move puts Louvet in charge of the company’s male-grooming brands, including the Braun line of men’s electric grooming products.

He will report to Dimitri Panayotopoulos, vice chairman of Global Business Units. He will succeed Charles V. (Chip) Bergh, who is retiring on Sept. 1 from P&G after 28 years to pursue his aspiration to be CEO of a major company, according to a P&G statement.

ISELIN, N.J.–Greg Dua, who co-founded Fiesta Products seven years ago with Ed Bloom, has left the company to pursue other interests. In addition, the company has formally changed its name to Head Chefs LLC, which reflects its primary line of kitchen tools and food prep items for kids.

DALLAS-Mitzi Thomasson has joined Feizy as vice president of design and product development, reporting to John Feizy, owner and CEO. Succeeding Steve Sorrow, Thomasson is responsible for all design direction, trend forecasting, product design, communication with manufacturers, and complete development of product from inception to delivered stock. She has moved to Dallas for the position.

Before joining Feizy, she was the director of design and product development for Savoy House Lighting.

MINNEAPOLIS-Kathy Nedorostek, president of Coach’s North American Wholesale and Global Licensing divisions, has been elected to the Select Comfort board of directors.

Nedorostek is responsible for Coach’s department-store and specialty-store businesses throughout North America and its worldwide licensed businesses. She has also served as president and chief operating officer for Natori, and as president of cK Calvin Klein Handbags and Footwear.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.–Agio International has named Andy Sokol, a 27-year-furniture-industry veteran, as vice president sales.

Sokol will lead the outdoor manufacturer’s newest initiative to make additional inroads and increase sales from traditional home furnishing retailers.

Most recently Sokol was with Macy’s. He spent most of his career in outdoor furniture with Fortunoff.

MINNEAPOLIS–Select Comfort has promoted Wendy Schoppert to chief financial officer, effective June 6.

Schoppert will succeed Jim Raabe, who has left to become chief financial officer of Lindsey Corp., a provider of irrigation systems and infrastructure products. Schoppert, who joined Select Comfort in 2005, had been senior vice president and chief information officer. In her new role, she will continue to report to Bill McLaughlin, president and CEO.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Surya has appointed Kurt Von De Bur vice president of national accounts.

Von De Bur has assumed responsibility for the development and growth of existing national accounts, and with formulating new business relationships. He is part of Surya’s newly formed national accounts division, which is headed by Paul Sullivan, senior vice president of national accounts.

Before joining Surya, Von De Bur was vice president of sales for Orian Rugs, and before that was Eastern regional manager for United Weavers.

CHICAGO–MMPI promoted Jaclyn Kelly senior director of marketing for MMPI’s Casual Furnishings Industry.

As senior director of marketing, Kelly will be responsible for strategic planning and brand development for the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, and for the permanent casual showrooms residing in The Design Center at The Merchandise Mart year-round.

CINCINNATI–Edward Shirley, vice chairman of Procter & Gamble’s beauty and grooming segment, will retire from the company on Jan. 1, 2012.

Among the products in this segment are the Braun line of electric shavers and the Oral-B group of dental-care products. Until the first of the year, Shirley will serve as vice chairman on special assignment, reporting to Robert McDonald, P&G’s chairman, president and CEO. He will focus on the transition of the beauty and grooming business.

BELLMAWR, N.J.–Ginsey Home Solutions has elevated Guy Conte to senior vice president of sales and Bridget Crozier to vice president of sales, and has named Allen Robinson vice president of new business development, a newly created position.

MCLEAN, Va.–Doug Sullivan has been named executive director of the CertiPUR-US certification program for flexible polyurethane foam.

CertiPUR-US is a program of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, which tests foam for ozone depleters, formaldehyde, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, prohibited phthalates, lead, mercury and other materials that affect indoor air quality. Sullivan is a more than 30-year veteran of the polyurethane foam industry, having served in executive posts with Hickory Springs, Union Carbide and Dow Chemical Co.

NEW YORK–Yamazaki Tableware has appointed Raymond I. Basanta president, effective June 1. He succeeds Kazuhiro (Kasey) Yawata, who has served as Yamazaki president since its offices opened in 1981.

Basanta has worked for Yamazaki since 1994 as vice president for marketing and product development. A well-known figure in the international tabletop industry for more than 40 years, Basanta previously worked in sales, product management and marketing for Towle, Gorham, and Nachtmann USA.

NORWALK, Conn.–Cutlery maker Wüsthof-Trident has appointed Michael Garaghty (a.k.a. “Chef Mike”) executive chef.

In this newly created position, Chef Mike, who reports to Scott Severinson, president, sales and marketing, will preside and appear in Wüsthof-sponsored television segments, retail events, cooking videos, social media initiatives, trade shows, consumer food festivals and other elements of the brand’s sales and marketing campaigns.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Dennis McDaniels, vice president of sales for Hollander Home Fashions, will retire from the company effective May 31.

McDaniels, who joined Hollander 15 years ago, currently manages company accounts based primarily in the Southeast. His career also includes executive and sales posts with Springs, Pillowtex, Dawson and Denver Dry Goods.

Hollander has begun a search for McDaniels’ successor.

NORWALK, Conn.–Annette Garaghty has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing at Wüsthof-Trident of America, Inc., a newly formed position at the company.

Garaghty continues to report directly to the company’s President of Sales and Marketing, Scott Severinson.

STOCKHOLM-Marcus Wallenberg has been re-elected chairman of the board of AB Electrolux, the parent company of the Electrolux brand.

In addition, Keith McLoughlin, president and CEO, was elected to the company’s board at yesterday’s annual general meeting. McLoughlin succeeded Hans Stråberg as president and CEO on Jan. 1.

Wallenberg has served on the Electrolux board since 2005. McLoughlin, who joined Electrolux in 2003, had been chief operations officer for major appliances before assuming his current posts.

CHICAGO–Jamie Gragg has been appointed director of market suite sales for the Chicago Market at MMPI.

Gragg is responsible for leasing temporary booths at the market, and reports directly to Sara Dahlstrom, managing director of market suite sales.

Gragg joined MMPI in 2007 as leasing director of permanent showrooms in High Point. During her tenure, she has overseen daily leasing activity at other MMPI properties including Historic Market Square, Market Square Textile Tower, Hamilton Market, Furniture Plaza, Plaza Suites and the National Furniture Mart.

NOVATO, Calif.–Kuhn Rikon USA has hired Chelsea Schlunt in the newly created position of managing director, expanding its management team as the company continues to grow its kitchen tools, pressure cookers and specialty cookware business. Schlunt reports to Rudy Keller, president of Kuhn Rikon USA.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–Gerry Borreggine, president and CEO of Therapedic, has been elected chairman of the International Sleep Products Association.

Borreggine succeeds Don Wright, chairman of Wright of Thomasville, who served as ISPA’s chairman for the past 18 months. He said his agenda will focus on strengthening ISPA’s advocacy for the sleep-products industry in Washington and in the nation’s state capitals.

LAKEWOOD, Colo.—Business technology provider Brandwise has named Paul Bishop as vice president of marketing and communications, a new position, where he will lead the marketing and communications department as the company enhances its focus on communication.

Bishop joins Brandwise from the public relations firm Professional  Marketing, where he spent three years as executive vice president focusing on a number of gift and home clients, including Brandwise.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Brian Casey, High Point Market Authority’s president and chief executive officer is leaving the HPMA, effective April 30.

Casey, who has held the position since 2006, has been named the general manager of the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center, owned by MMPI.
 
The HPMA executive committee said that it is overseeing an immediate search for Casey’s replacement.

TROY, N.C.–Capel Rugs has named Tami Watras vice president-product and creative director, a new position. Reporting to John Magee, president and chief executive officer, Watras will oversee media messaging and advertising for Capel, as well as the overall creative direction for the company. She will continue to oversee product development and Capel’s import division, which she manages in conjunction with import division general manager John Harrison.

NEW YORK–Welspun USA has appointed industry veteran Jeff Moss director of towel sales.

In his new role, Moss is in charge of sales of the company’s towel line to major retailers. He reports to Barry Leonard, Welspun USA’s president and CEO, and succeeds Jerry McCarthy, who is retiring.

Moss’ career includes executive positions with Fieldcrest Cannon, Leshner Mills and, most recently, Towellers.

MONROE, Conn.–Cutlery maker Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc. has named Rob Sterner senior vice president, sales for the commercial and retail cutlery and Swiss Army knife divisions. In this newly created position, Sterner reports to Rene Stutz, North American president of Victorinox Swiss Army.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-Bonnie Wilson has joined Perfect Fit as vice president of sales, a newly created position for the company.

In her new role, Wilson oversees the company’s account team in both the United States and Canada, and reports directly to Dan Hammer, president and chief executive officer.

Before joining Perfect Fit, Wilson held sales positions with Springs Global and Liz Claiborne Home. She has more than 25 years experience in the home-textiles industry across multiple product categories.

MANCHESTER, Mass.—Stanley Reeve is the new chief executive officer of tabletop manufacturer Mariposa.

Reeve was previously the vice president of finance and operations for Rare, an environmental non-profit organization that helps protect biodiversity. Reeve’s career history also includes 14 years with Illinois Tool Works, a specialty industrial products company.

Mariposa’s handmade  aluminum tableware, glassware and gift accessories feature designs by local artisans worldwide using 100-percent recycled materials.

VALLEJO, Calif. -Darrin Johnston has been promoted to the newly created position of senior vice president of sales at Meyer Corp., U.S., for which he has sales responsibilities over all brands, including Circulon Anolon, BonJour, KitchenAid cookware, Rachael Ray, Farberware, Paula Deen and SilverStone. He will continue to report to the company’s managing director, Jay Zilinskas.

TOLEDO, Ohio–John Meier, chairman and chief executive officer of Libbey, announced today that he will retire at the end of this year.

The nominating and governance committee of Libbey’s board of directors, together with an “internationally recognized” executive search firm, will lead a comprehensive search process to determine Meier’s successor, with both internal and external candidates being considered, the company said.

MOORESVILLE, N.C.–Troy Dally, vice president of merchandising for millwork at Lowe’s, has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager-hardlines/building products.

Dally assumes responsibility over the merchandising of all product categories under the hardlines and building-products segments. He reports to Bob Gfeller, executive vice president of merchandising, whom he has succeeded in his new post. Gfeller was promoted to executive vice president of merchandising in January.

NEW YORK–MindsInSync has promoted David Pan, general manager of China operations and development, to chief executive officer Asia Pacific of MindsInSync Shanghai, a new position for the company.

MONROE, Mich.–Greg White, senior vice president of sales and merchandising for La-Z-Boy Residential, has resigned, according to the company.

White began his career at La-Z-Boy in 1988 in the customer service area and progressed through the company, taking on various positions of increasing responsibility. He was named senior vice president of sales and merchandising in 2008.

White said that he has “aspirations to pursue opportunities outside of the furniture industry.”

MOORESVILLE, N.C.–Larry D. Stone, president and chief operating officer of Lowe’s, will retire on June 2.

In his more than four-decade career with the home-improvement retailer, Stone served in a variety of executive posts in store operations, merchandising and store environment. A Lowe’s statement said the company will not fill his positions after his retirement.

Lowe’s also announced the following promotions:

NEW YORK-Gracious Home has appointed Amanda Mettler Goodrich to the new position of creative director and director of product innovation and private brands strategy and execution. A four-year veteran of Gracious Home, she previously was senior buyer for all soft goods, scents and fragrances, kids, baby and pet products.

MEDIA, Pa. ­—Derek Hubbard joins New View Gifts as director of national account sales. In his new post Hubbard will be responsible for National Account Sales and overseeing the development of new business. Hubbard’s most recent position was at Virginia Candle as director of national account sales.

NEW YORK–Rogaska has named Brent McDaneld to the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing of its U.S. affiliate Rogaska America, Inc. He reports to Bostjan Leskovar, president of Rogaska America.
 

WEST CHESTER, Pa.—Claire Watts, QVC’s president of U.S. commerce, has been promoted to the newly created position of chief executive officer, U.S., of QVC.

GREENSBORO, N.C.—WithIt, the women’s leadership network for home furnishings professionals, has named Mary Leigh Howell, vice president of Greensboro, N.C.-based RLF Communications, president.

CHICAGO—Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. has promoted Jim Gooding to vice president and general manager of the Washington Design Center in Washington DC, effective immediately.

In his new role, Gooding will be responsible for overseeing the operations and leasing efforts for the 60 showrooms and office tenants housed at the Washington Design Center. Gooding will also develop the strategic positioning for the facility, while overseeing and maintaining tenant relations at the Design Center.

SLEEPY HOLLOW, N.Y.–Tabletop executive Michael Jeansson has been named a partner and vice president of sales for NGL associates, a sales representative firm, effective Jan. 1, 2011.

Jeansson has been the president of Sagaform USA since 2005, and previously worked for Orrefors Kosta Boda for 20 years in a variety of management positions in the United States and Sweden.

CHICAGO—Protect-A-Bed has appointed Chris Taylor director of sales for the company’s furniture retail division.

In this newly created position Taylor oversees product sales directly to retailers of home-furnishings, which is a new direction for Protect-A-Bed, which had been selling its products through distributors. He and his team work with current and prospective customers across the nation to train customers on the features and benefits of the product line. He reports directly to Clive Goldin, the company’s president.

VENICE, Fla.—Tervis Tumbler Company has established an executive office of the president and added Barry Wolfson as president and chief executive officer. Laura Spencer, the current president and CEO, was named chief financial officer. Wayne Varnadore was promoted to chief operating officer from vice president of operations, and Rich Kaplan was promoted to chief sales and marketing officer from vice president of sales and marketing.

CHICAGO—Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. has named Katherine Skelton director of leasing for L.A. Mart Gift.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–Tiffany Yaraghi has been promoted to the new position of executive account manager, licensing, at Safavieh. Having joined the company earlier this year, she has worked in a variety of merchandising capacities, including development of home accent product line extensions that will be launched in 2011.

DAYTON, N.J.–Marguerite “Maggie” Riegel has been promoted to vice president of product and design at Artland.  This is a newly created position in which Riegel reports to William Flaherty, executive vice president.

“In her eight years at Artland, Ms. Riegel has been responsible for all product and design, which is the driving force in a company like Artland,” Flaherty said. Riegel is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and previously held design positions at Lenox and Boston Warehouse.

ATLANTA —Mike Gay has been named senior vice president of marketing at AmericasMart Atlanta, succeeding Mike Turnbull, who has been named senior vice president of strategic relations for AMC, Inc., and its AmericasMart and LIGHTFAIR International entities.

Gay will strengthen the AmericasMart brand and its 19 annual markets, which attract retailers from every U.S. state and more than 80 countries. He leads a team of marketing, advertising, technology, retail services and publishing professionals.

NEW YORK–Claude Litton, president and chief executive officer of Manhattan Properties Company—owner and manager of showroom building 295 Fifth Avenue—will retire at the end of the year. Litton has managed the building for 32 years.

Litton said that his successor will be named next month.

“When I came to 295, there were 80 tenants and 50 were in the industry,” Litton said. “Today, it is the largest and premier industry building only leasing to well over 100 major home textile tenants.

OMAHA, Neb.—Stewart Kasen and James A. Shea have been appointed to the board of directors of Gordmans Stores.

Kasen is the retired president and chief executive officer of S&K Famous Brands, a chain of menswear stores. He has also served as CEO of retailers Thalhimers, Emporium-Capwell, Best Products, Factory Card Outlet and Schwarzschilds. Shea recently retired as executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and supply chain of AutoZone, and was the co-founder of Internet retailer Portero. He was also CEO and a director of Party City.

AUSTIN, Texas–Chris Miller has joined Four Hands as national sales manager, responsible for the national sales team as well as the Las Vegas and Atlanta showroom personnel.

He previously spent 17 years with Rowe Fine Furniture in such roles as vice president of sales operations and regional sales manager for the southeastern region.

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y.–Wake Robin, a specialty home shop, has been opened here by Megan David, a former buyer for ABC Carpet & Home.

The store will carry categories including furniture, tabletop, lighting  and textiles. Specific items include case goods from Canvas, a furniture and accessories line that David helped develop. Block print bedding and other textiles from India, Japanese textiles from Fog Linen, along with informal handmade earthenware, will be featured.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.–Dan Hige has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of International Bedding.

Hige succeeds Tony Smith, who left the company in August to become Simmons’ president of U.S. sales and Simmons Canada. He has assumed charge over International Bedding’s sales and operations, and reports to Jeff Maillet, chief executive officer. An 18-year mattress-industry veteran, Hige had been vice president of manufacturing since joining the company in 2008.

NEW YORK–Duke Ratliff has been named editor-in-chief of HFN, effective Sept. 20, succeeding Warren Shoulberg, who has left the company to pursue other interests.

Ratliff has been with HFN, a division of Macfadden Communications Group, for 12 years as executive editor.

MONROE, Conn.–Rene Stutz, the former president of Wüsthof-Trident of America, has been named the president of Victorinox Swiss Army, North America.

“I am delighted that we have found someone who not only has a strong proven track record across all disciplines within our cutlery industry, but also who embodies our company values,” said Victorinox AG President and founding family member, Charles Elsener. “I know his passion, determination and focused direction will bring business growth.”

 WOOLRICH, Pa.–Woolrich, the Original Outdoor Clothing Company, announced the promotion of Nick Brayton to director of domestic licensing.
 
Brayton will be responsible for directing all domestic licensing business including accessories and home furnishings. Additionally, he will be responsible for product development, sales and marketing, merchandising and management of domestic licensees.
 

NORWALK, Conn.–Premier German cutlery company Wüsthof-Trident of America, Inc., announced that René Stutz has resigned his position as president at Wüsthof, and Harald Wüsthof, managing partner, will oversee all operations in the U.S.

A seasoned management team that includes Scott Severinson, overseeing all sales and marketing, and Rene Arnold, being in charge of administration and operations, will report directly to Harald Wüsthof.

HOUSTON–Steve Fendrich has rejoined Mattress Firm, the mattress specialty retailer which he co-founded in 1986, in the newly created post of chief strategy officer.

PHILADELPHIA–John Broughton has been named national utility program manager at Westinghouse Lighting. He will be responsible for administering and promoting utility incentive programs with Westinghouse Lighting’s customer base in retail, commercial and industrial channels.

His previous work experience includes positions with D&R International, the Department of Energy and MaxLight.

WEST WARWICK, R.I.–Natco Home Products has named Travis Spencer as senior designer, reporting to Dan Driscoll, vice president and creative director.

Spencer previously spent seven years as design director for Windham Weavers before the company was purchased by Natco Home Products in 2008. Most recently, he was design director at International Merchandising Sources.

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.–Sleep Innovations has added to its executive ranks in key sectors of its operations.

The basic-bedding manufacturer has named Mark Wooters executive vice president of sales, in charge of all of the company’s retail sales. In addition, Michael Loomis has joined the firm as vice president of business/product development, overseeing all product development activities. Sharon Miller has been appointed director of marketing communications, responsible for all of Sleep Innovations’ non-channel marketing communications.

CHICAGO–MMPI has appointed Jennifer Sergent director of marketing for the Washington Design Center.

Sergent oversees the center’s overall marketing activities in her new role, and reports to John Brennan, executive vice president of MMPI’s design centers. She succeeds Mitchell Ammons Walters.

Before joining Washington Design Center, Sergent was senior editor of Washington Spaces magazine. She has also written articles and blogs on local design for the Washington Post and Washingtonian magazine.

ATLANTA—Tony Smith has been named president of Simmons’ U.S. Sales and Simmons Canada.

Smith  assumes charge over all of the mattress manufacturer’s sales functions and the Canadian unit, and reports directly to Gary Fazio, who became chief executive officer of Simmons in July.

 He succeeds Paul Bognar as head of Simmons Canada, who will now report to Smith, and Dominic Azevedo, executive vice president of sales, who is leaving the company. Before joining Simmons, Smith was president and CEO of International Bedding Corp. (IBC).

NEW YORK–J. Queen New York is expanding its office and showroom space, and has hired Dave Roman as vice president of sales.

The added space, measuring about 3,000 square feet, will approximately double the size of the company’s current space, located at 37 W. 20th St. here.

NEW YORK–Loftex has appointed Luis Hernandez to the newly created position of director of sales for the U.S.A. division.

Hernandez is responsible for all sales in the United States for the division, and reports to Gretchen Dale, the division’s chief operating officer.

Before joining Loftex, Hernandez was director of sales and marketing for the Solarium division of Richloom Fabrics.

NEW YORK–Michael Boodro has been named editor-in-chief of Elle Decor.

Boodro was previously the magazine’s executive editor from 2004-2006, and rejoined Elle Decor in 2009 from Martha Stewart Living where he was editor-in-chief. Elle Decor said it will also retain its core editorial team led by Anita Sarsidi, Florentino Pamintuan and Vicky Lowry.

In addition to Boodro’s promotion, Sarsidi has been promoted to design director and Florentino Pamintuan has been elevated to creative director. Lowry will assume the executive editor title at the magazine.

NEW YORK–S. Lichtenberg & Co. has given new titles to its top executives.

Richard Lichtenberg has been named chairman of the board, the same title his father, Alan, held until his death in 2003. Michael Lichtenberg has become president, taking the title held by his father, Herbert, until his death last October. Scott Lichtenberg, also Herbert’s son, has been named chief operating officer, a newly created position. Previously, all of the Lichtenbergs were vice presidents.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Al Farias is leaving his current role at Louisville Bedding as vice president of sales and marketing.

Farias will take on a new role with the company that will focus on special projects and account sales. He will continue to focus on certain accounts and will also retain his membership on the Louisville Bedding board of directors. He will also continue to report to Steve Elias, the company’s president.

MINNEAPOLIS—Laurie Facci has joined tabletop and accessory company Julia Knight as national sales director, effective August 30. She was most recently at Daum and Haviland/North America as director of sales, and her prior experience includes almost 10 years as senior national account manager for Baccarat, positions in sales and marketing at Rosenthal USA and vice president, sales, at Lynn Chase Designs.

CRANBURY, N.J.—High-end tabletop company Mottahedeh has named Lyle Stevens to the new position of brand director for sales and marketing.

Stevens has more than 20 years of experience, including 15 as a showroom owner in Atlanta.

“We are immensely proud of what Mottahedeh stands for as a company and of what we have achieved in our 80 plus year history,” said Wendy Kvalheim, chief executive officer.”

CUMBERLAND, R.I.–International Textile Manufacturing has named Jeffrey Cohen to the newly created position of national sales manager.

The move reflects the company’s emphasis on sales growth in the braided rug and door mat categories. Cohen, a home products industry veteran, was most recently senior vice president of sales at Ginsey Home Solutions. He previously served in the same role at Homemaker Industries.

TROY, N.C.–Capel Rugs recently named Jim Spangler as southwest regional sales manager. He will cover the sales territory of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

“Jim is a valuable addition to the Capel sales force, having experience in wholesale and retail sales,” said Allen Robertson, Capel Rugs’ vice president of sales. “We aim to ensure top-level service and support for customers and dealers by continuing to add top-level sales representatives to the Capel family, and Jim defines this mission.”

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.–Thomas Wang has been named international sales manager at WAC Lighting, a new position.

The brother of president Shelley Wang and the son of co-founders Tony and Tai Wang, he will be based in the company’s international offices in Shanghai, China. Reporting to his father, Tony Wang, who is also chairman and chief executive officer, Thomas Wang will be responsible for residential and commercial sales, working with sales agencies, distributors, designers and specifiers outside the United States and Canada.

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.