LAS VEGAS–Furniture industry veteran Bob Maricich has been named the new president and chief executive officer of the World Market Center Las Vegas.
Maricich was introduced at the market here today in what was a well-kept secret to fill a spot that had been open since Harvey Dondero’s departure last year.
For the past 11 years, Maricich was president of Century Furniture, one of the more successful high-end companies in the business, but also has experience outside the industry.
The choice of a furniture industry executive does not necessarily reflect any departure from the WMC’s strategy to go after the entire home furnishings market, said Jack Kashani, a founder and co-managing partner of the complex. “We wanted someone who was close to the industry and who understood the market. But we also wanted a great leader with a great reputation.”
Maricich said it was a difficult decision to leave Century—which has not announced a successor yet— but that the timing was right. “The industry is in flux and in the midst of great change. It’s a not a question of if we are going to change, but how we are going to change.”
While saying he has no agenda yet in his new position, he said he wanted to attract a wide assortment of exhibitors, including companies like Century, which have so far not moved to Las Vegas in any large way.
“Despite enormous progress here, it’s still just the beginning,” Maricich said.
