Sergent Named Marketing Director of Washington Design Center


8

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.

J. Queen Adds Space, Names Roman V.P. of Sales


8

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.

Giliotti Named Interim CEO of Croscill/Ex-Cell/Glenoit


8

 NEW YORK—Emil Giliotti has been named interim chief executive officer of Croscill/Ex-Cell Home Fashions/Glenoit.
 
Meanwhile, Patriarch Partners, parent of the three home-fashions companies, has begun a search for a successor to Barry Leonard, who left the CEO post and will become president and CEO of Welspun USA on Sept. 6. Giliotti, who is managing director of Patriarch Partners’ Consumer Goods Platform, reports to Lynn Tilton, Patriarch Partners’ CEO.
 

Hernandez Named Sales Director at Loftex


8

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.

Perfect Fit Promotes Grimsby to Senior V.P.


8

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Gary Grimsby has been promoted to senior vice president of sourcing, a newly created position at Perfect Fit Industries.

The move represents an expansion of Grimsby’s responsibilities as director of international sourcing, his previous position. He now manages all overseas finished-product and raw-materials procurement, and the company’s product-quality assurance group. He reports directly to Dan Hammer, who was appointed Perfect Fit’s chief executive officer in June.

New Titles for Top Execs at S. Lichtenberg


8

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.

Farias Steps Down as Louisville Bedding Sales and Marketing VP


8

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.

D’Angelo Promoted to Senior V.P. of Iconix


8

NEW YORK–Carolyn D’Angelo, vice president of brand management for the home division of Iconix Brand Group, has been promoted to senior vice president for the home division’s brand management.

D’Angelo remains responsible for building the home segment of Iconix’s branded business, duties which she assumed when she joined the company in 2007 after its acquisition of Pillowtex. An Iconix statement credited D’Angelo with securing the company’s direct-to-retail deals such as Cannon at Sears and Kmart, and Charisma at Costco.

Bush Tabbed as International Sales Director for Crown Crafts


8

GONZALES, La.–Crown Crafts has appointed Mary Jean Bush to the newly created position of director of international sales.

The move reflects the company’s emphasis on international markets as a component to its growth strategy over the next five years, according to a Crown Crafts statement. Bush oversees the development of sales strategies and new international business, along with growing sales with existing international accounts for Crown Crafts Infant Products, Hamco, Neat Solutions and Bibsters.

Oh Named Design Director at Beacon Looms


8

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.

School Me on This


8

At a recent seminar, several retail and marketing executives talked about how they are going to grow sales as the economy recovers. They would do this by focusing on the customer, they said.

“We are now going to focus on the customer” is, in fact, a mantra that is often heard from manufacturers and retailers of products ranging from cars to cookware, mattresses, perfume, potato chips and paper towels.

Hollander Tabs Torres as Vice President of Merchandising


8

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.”

Hollander Adds Johnson, Petricoff to Executive Team


8

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.

Oriental Weavers Names Hartsfield to New Post


8

DALTON, Ga.–Walt Hartsfield has been appointed to the new position of product manager, broadloom, at Oriental Weavers USA.

Hartsfield joined the company in 2008 as broadloom operations manager, and he was instrumental in developing and launching the company’s broadloom category, the company said. Working with the company’s sales, product development and senior management teams, Hartsfield will now further expand the company’s distribution of its Wilton-woven and Axminster broadloom.

Before joining Oriental Weavers, Hartsfield was the general manager for Daltonian Flooring.

Strickland Named to Marketing Post at Anna’s Linens


8

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.

Miller Leaves Wang, Starts Consulting Firm


8

NEW YORK–Laura Lee Miller has resigned her position as Vera Wang Group’s president of licensing and marketing to found her own consulting firm, BrandSolutions.
Miller said she will utilize her experience and expertise as a strategic brand marketing and licensing consultant within the apparel, home fashion, fragrance and beauty categories. Miller’s consultancy launches with the Vera Wang Group where she will advise on strategic projects and new licensing opportunities.

Croscill-Excell-Glenoit Organization Set


8

NEW YORK–The executive leadership at the combined Croscill-Excell Home Fashions-Glenoit has been established.

Welspun Launches Basic Bedding Unit, Names Walters to Head Sales for North America


8

NEW YORK–Welspun, the manufacturer of decorative top-of-the-bedding products, has debuted a basic-bedding unit and has appointed Scott Walters to head the sales and product initiatives in North America for the new sector.
Walters, who has assumed the newly created title of sales director, reports to Tim Landers, Welspun’s director of sales/marketing for bedding in North America. The new unit will offer both down and synthetic comforters, bed pillows and mattress pads. The business will formally launch in February, at the time of the New York Home Textiles Market.

LeGrange Named Hollander President of Sales


8

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Kay LeGrange has been named president of sales for Hollander Home Fashions.
LeGrange will oversee the Hollander sales team, and is responsible for working with the company’s merchandising, marketing and product-development departments “to provide sustainable growth for Hollander and its customers,” according to a company statement. She reports to Chris Baker, chief executive officer, and replaces David Sides, who retired from Hollander last year.

Roman Becomes President of HFPA


8

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.

Mitchell, Hardin Named for Richloom’s Asian Operations


8

NEW YORK–Nolan Mitchell and Grant Hardin have been appointed to key positions in the Asian operations of Richloom Fabrics Group.

Alberi Joins Downlite as Sales Manager


8

MASON, Ohio–Glen Alberi has been named national sales manager of Downlite.
Alberi has assumed responsibility over the Downlite national sales team, along with increasing the company’s retail sales business and cultivating customer relationships. He reports to Chat Altbaier, vice president of sales and marketing. His post is part of a transition in the Downlite management team that is ongoing, according to Altbaier.

Needleman Becomes CEO of Peacock Alley


8

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.

Evenson Named to Hospitality Sales Post at Protect-A-Bed


8

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.

Hollander Appoints Cameron V.P. of Marketing


8

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.

Welspun Names Petricoff, Pianowski to New Positions


8

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.

Hunter Douglas Elevates Kass, Mathews to New Positions


8

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.

Laura Ashley Names Kwan Ng President


8

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.

ITMA Names New Directors to Board


8

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.

Landers Named V.P., Business Manager at Hollander


8

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.

Frisch Named Sales and Merchandising Manager at Springs Creative


8

ROCK HILL, S.C.–Springs Creative Products Group has appointed Scott Frisch to the newly created position of sales and merchandising manager for its specialty fabrics division.
Frisch is responsible for overseeing all sales and operations for the specialty group, along with the development of new specialty products. He reports directly to Derick Close, Springs Creative’s chief executive officer and owner.

Marton Named Executive Vice President of Triangle Home Fashions


8

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.

Mathis Named Sales Director at Springs Creative


8

ROCK HILL, S.C.–Brian Mathis has been appointed director of sales and finished products for Springs Creative Products Group.
In this newly created position, Mathis is responsible for overseeing all sales operations for the company, and for the development of new finished products. He reports to Derick Close, the company’s owner and chief executive officer.
Mathis is a veteran of more than 20 years in the home-textiles industry. Most recently, he served as senior account manager for Springs Global.

Li Resumes Westgate/HFI Presidency


8

NEW YORK–In a series of executive changes at Westgate/HFI, chief executive officer David Li has resumed the post of president, succeeding Thomas Coughlin, who has left the company. Westgate is a growing supplier of both finished home textiles products and decorative fabric.
In addition, Amy Bell has been named to the new position of executive vice president of marketing and merchandising for the company. She had previously been vice president and merchandise manager for decorative pillows and accessories.

Engongoro, Mohr Named Sales Managers at GLM


8

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

Skobe Appointed CFO of WestPoint Home


8

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.

Springs Tabs Granger, Simon to Lead New Business Units


8

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.

Connelly to Retire From Wools of New Zealand


8

MARBLE HILL, Ga.–After 39 years in the floor covering and home textiles industry, Wes Connelly, now North America area manager for Wools of New Zealand, will retire as of March 1. Connelly began his career at Woodside, a division of Dan River Mills, which specialized in apparel fabrics. He then spent 11 years at Monsanto before going to the Wool Bureau, where he remained though the evolution of Wools of New Zealand. And though he is retiring, he still plans to consult for Wools of New Zealand and other businesses in the industry.

Van Swall, McKenney Join Brand Matter


8

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.

Gilmartin Retires From Covington


8

NEW YORK–Roger Gilmartin, president and chief executive officer of Covington Fabric & Design, has retired.
He has been succeeded as president and CEO by Mark Kahan, the company’s chairman, and will serve as a consultant to the business for the foreseeable future.

O’Connell Joins Soft-Tex in Executive VP Post


8

WATERFORD, N.Y.–Robert O’Connell has been named executive vice president of sales and marketing at Soft-Tex, a manufacturer of basic bedding.
In this newly created position, O’Connell is responsible for all sales and marketing, building on Soft-Tex’s business with existing customers and establishing relationships with new customers. He reports directly to Arthur Perry, the company’s president. Soft-Tex’s product line includes bed pillows in fiber, feather and foam; mattress pads; featherbeds and fiberbeds; and memory-foam pillows and toppers.

Leonard Named President of Croscill


8

NEW YORK–Barry Leonard, president of Glenoit and Ex-Cell Home Fashions, has been appointed to the presidency of Croscill as well.
Croscill was purchased by Patriarch Partners, owner of Glenoit and Ex-Cell, last week. Leonard, who reports to Lynn Tilton, chief executive officer of Patriarch Partners, has assumed responsibility over Croscill’s overall operations.

Platt Named President of Brand Matter


8

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.

Schaus Named Bedding Design Director at Home Source


8

ATLANTA–Lissa Schaus has been appointed director of bedding design for Home Source International.
In this newly created position, Schaus is responsible for the development of products under the Portico brand, which Home Source has just licensed, and for other licensed and in-house brands. She reports to Phyllis Moore, vice president of bed product development, and John Fraley, chief operating officer.
Before joining Home Source, Schaus was design director of home fashions for Westgate International and designer of bed products for Pillowtex Corp.

Spring Air Revamps Management Structure


8

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

Elliott Named CFO at Crown Crafts


8

GONZALES, La.–Olivia Elliott has been appointed vice president and chief financial officer of Crown Crafts, the producer of infant and toddler textiles and accessories.
Elliott thus assumes charge over the company’s financial operations, and reports to E. Randall Chestnut, chairman and chief executive officer. She succeeds Amy Samson, who has stepped down for personal reasons. Samson remains as Crown Crafts’ vice president and chief accounting officer, responsible for all of the company’s accounting activities.

Wallace Joins Shavel as National Sales Manager


8

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

Peking Handicraft Executives Get New Roles


8

NEW YORK–Peking Handicraft has designated new assignments for a number of its top executives.
Annie Lo, co-owner of the company with her husband Dicky and formerly president, has been named chief executive officer responsible for all of the company’s functions. Mark Grand, formerly chief operating officer, has been named president and has assumed charge of Peking Handicraft’s sales, product development, design and financial matters. Grand reports to Annie and Dicky Lo.

London Luxury Adds Nicholson, Kaganowich to Product-Development Team


8

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

Spring Air CEO Hellyer Resigns


8

TAMPA, Fla.–Bob Hellyer, who became chief executive officer of Spring Air last year after the company merged with its biggest licensee, has resigned.
A Spring Air statement said Kevin Damewood, executive vice president of sales, and Steve Cumbow, chief operating officer, will take on Hellyer’s responsibilities in a newly formed Office of the Chairman. Damewood oversees sales and marketing, and Cumbow supervises finance, manufacturing, logistics and administration. Both report to Spring Air’s board of directors, which is led by Michael Michienzi, non-executive chairman.

Loftex Appoints Williams Senior VP


8

NEW YORK–Loftex USA has appointed Jeff Williams senior vice president.
Williams, who reports to Gretchen Dale, chief operating officer, was formerly vice president of retail account management.
“Jeff has made major contributions into charting Loftex’s future as we grow the business,” Dale said in a statement. “Jeff has established himself with great credibility with all our accounts and has developed strong programs with our factory to service our customers.”

Reed Named to Environmental Post at Cotton Incorporated


8

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

Executive VP Conn to Leave Iconix


8

NEW YORK–David Conn, executive vice president of Iconix Brands, will be leaving the company.
According to a statement from Iconix, Conn’s employment agreement with the company expired earlier this year. Over the next several months, Conn will transition his responsibilities to other Iconix executives while he serves in a non-executive capacity.

Mischinski Named to WestPoint Executive VP Post


8

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

Mischinski Named to WestPoint Executive VP Post


8

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

Leggett & Platt Fills New Posts in Consumer Products Group


8

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

Hicks Joins Alok as VP, U.S. Operations


8

NEW YORK–Alok International has appointed Larry Hicks as vice president of U.S. operations.
Hicks thus assumes charge over the textiles manufacturer’s U.S. business, in particular over positioning this segment for continued growth and meeting customer needs. A company statement announcing Hicks’ appointment did not specify if this position is a new one for the company, or to whom he reports. Arun Agarwal is chief executive officer of Alok Inc. U.S.

GLM Restructures Trade-Show Responsibilities


8

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–A restructuring at GLM has created three teams headed by senior vice presidents Phil Robinson, Dorothy Belshaw and Lori Kisner, all of whom will report to Alan Steel, executive vice president of the trade show-management division of DMG Worldwide.

DMG Cancels Global Textiles and Global Decor, Eliminates 31 GLM Positions


8

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–DMG World Media, the parent company of show manager GLM, has canceled the Global Home Textiles and Global Home Decor shows and has eliminated 31 positions in GLM’s White Plains office.

Geraghty Named HFPA Executive Director


8

NEW YORK–The Home Fashion Products Association has appointed Katie Geraghty, account executive with Kellen Co., as its executive director.
In this position, Geraghty provides leadership and staff support to the HFPA’s board of directors and to member companies of the trade association. She also works closely with HFPA committees to strengthen organizational operations and activities. She succeeds Deborah Collins, who has left to pursue another business opportunity, according to a Kellen spokeswoman. Kellen is an association management and professional-services firm.

Stengel Back at Keeco as President, CEO


8

SAN FRANCISCO–Dan Stengel has returned to Keeco, the firm he co-founded nearly 30 years ago, as president and chief executive officer.
Stengel has assumed charge of the leadership and direction of the company’s entire operations, reporting to its board of directors. He succeeds Mike Roach, who has left the company to start an importing business, according to a Keeco spokesman.

Account Manager Porges Retires from Croscill


8

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

Kennedy, Del Pozo Named to New Posts at WestPoint Home


8

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

Legreca Becomes President of Croscill


8

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

Selke Cos. Names Palmer CEO


8

PITTSFIELD, Mass.–Tonio Palmer has been named chief executive officer of the Annie Selke Cos.
In this newly created position, Palmer has assumed responsibility over the company’s infrastructure, with a focus on maintaining the company’s culture as it expands and leverages its design and sourcing functions.

Earles Named Sales, Marketing VP at Circa 1801


8

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

Levinsohn Names Parrish Vice President of Sales


8

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

Jareck, Nichol Add Management Duties at Dan River


8

NEW YORK–Kevin Jareck, senior vice president of sales and marketing, and Bruce Nichol, senior vice president of product development and design, are taking on the day-to-day management responsibilities over Dan River Home Fashions, in the wake of the departure of Herb Briggs, president of the home fashions division.
According to a company statement, no immediate successor has been named for Briggs. Nor has the company yet commented on a search process for his successor. Both Jareck and Nichol report directly to Michael Flatow, Dan River’s chief executive officer.

Briggs, Dan River President, Resigns


8

NEW YORK—Herb Briggs, president of Dan River’s home fashions division, has resigned.
In a message to HFN, Briggs said he will leave the home textiles manufacturer later this week to pursue another unspecified opportunity. Calls to Briggs and Michael Flatow, Dan River’s chief executive officer, were not returned at press time.

Hall Named Executive Vice President, CFO for NexCen


8

NEW YORK–NexCen Brands, the parent company of the Waverly brand, has appointed Kenneth Hall executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer, effective tomorrow, March 25.
When he takes up his new posts, Hall will be responsible for all aspects of NexCen’s financial management and human-resources functions. He reports to Robert D’Loren, chief executive officer, and succeeds David Meister, who has left the company.

Rianna Named Operating Chief of Frette North America


8

NEW YORK–Sal Rianna has been appointed chief operating officer of Frette North America.
Rianna assumes charge over the company’s operations and finance, and will be involved in strategic planning as well in this newly created position. He reports directly to Paul Raffin, chief executive officer of Frette Group, the parent of the North American unit.

Achim Appoints Mallow to New Executive VP Post


8

NEW YORK–Achim Importing, a supplier of soft and hard window products and flooring, has appointed Howie Mallow as executive vice president of sales and marketing. In this newly created post, Mallow will report to Marton and Isaac Grossman, company owners and co-chief executive officers.

Raffin Named Global Group CEO of Frette


8

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

American Pacific Names Forker, Ozorio as Co-CEOs


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SAN FRANCISCO–Kaela Forker and Jeremy Ozorio have been named co-chief executive officers of American Pacific.
Forker, who most recently was the company’s executive vice president of sales, oversees American Pacific’s design, merchandising and sales functions. Ozorio, who was senior vice president of the company’s Asia operations and is based in Hong Kong, is in charge of global sourcing, development and operations in Asia. Forker joined American Pacific in 1992, while Ozorio has been with the company for six years.

LaRovere Appointed VP at Croscill Home


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NEW YORK–Michelle LaRovere has been appointed vice president of Croscill Home.
In this newly created position, LaRovere is responsible for working with the sales, product development, packaging and marketing functions to create the processes for getting Croscill’s merchandise to market. Her duties will bring her into contact with much of the Croscill organization, and will also focus on design, marketing, sales, sourcing and costing in both the bedding and window segments. She reports to Julie Brady, president of the company’s bedding and window divisions.

Lerner to Become Corporate Design Director for Venus Home


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

Tracy Joins Fortunoff as Operating Chief


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