HILLSBOROUGH, N.C.–Vietri co-founder and vice president of brand development Frances Gravely will retire. She will continue as a consultant and member of the company’s board of directors, Vietri said.
Gravely, with her sister Susan and mother Lee, founded Vietri in 1983 after a family trip to Italy where they fell in love with the colorful handpainted dinnerware of the Amalfi Coast. Vietri now serves a customer base of over 2,000 top specialty stores in all 50 states as well as abroad. The director of marketing for several years, Frances became vice president of brand development as the company expanded and served as spokesperson for the company.
“Frances will still be vital in our brainstorming sessions and board meetings,” said Susan Gravely, CEO. “It has been an incredible 30 years working side by side – and now it will be a wonderful chance for her to have some free time. Vietri would not be Vietri if Frances had not been here to give her input and creative guidance.”
“Starting Vietri and being a part of its success has been a constant joy,” Frances Gravely said. “We are truly a family company. My friendships with our employees, our sales reps, store owners and staff and our beloved Italian colleagues and their families are priceless to me. I look forward to remaining a part of Vietri’s expansion and continuing success with our young and experienced leaders and my sister Susan’s wisdom and inspiring energy. What an adventure Vietri has been and will continue to be.”