Hodges returns as Master Design president
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, April 5, 2004
ONTARIO, Calif. — Two years after leaving the company, Gene Hodges is returning to case goods importer Master Design Furniture as president.
Parent Test-Rite Products Corp. North America appointed Hodges to the position last week. He had been president and CEO of importer Asia Link.
Hodges replaces Harry Lo, who had been Master Design's president and CEO since Taiwan-based Test-Rite Group acquired the company in March 2002.
Company executives said the change is part of a strategy to improve Master Design's sales and service in the North American market. The importer had 2003 sales of about $50 million and is aiming for sales of about $74 million this year. It plans to grow to a $150 million company in the next two to three years, said Gavin McCalla, CEO of Test-Rite North America.
McCalla said the change also is part of an effort to make each of Test-Rite's 23 product categories more market-driven and market-sensitive.
Lo, who has worked for Test-Rite since 1987, has been offered a strategic planning role in Test Rite's international group. He previously was vice president of sales in Taiwan, managing about $200 million in sales for products ranging from hand tools and automotive accessories to other household and garden items.
"Because of that inherent knowledge he has with Asian sourcing, he can be of value beyond the furniture business," McCalla said.
He also said that Hodges' experience and knowledge of the North American furniture industry will help Test-Rite achieve its goals in that segment.
Hodges was president and CEO of Master Design Furniture from 1999 to 2002. From 1992 to 1999, he was executive vice president of sales at Magnussen Presidential, now Magnussen Home Furnishings, and before that was a national key account executive with Magnussen.
After leaving Master Design in 2002, he helped form Asia Link LLC, a sourcing and marketing company focusing on the home furnishings industry.
Hodges said he was pleased to be returning to Master Design.
"It's very exciting to be involved in the dynamics of a worldwide company," he said. "Test-Rite Group is involved in a number of divisions, and Master Design will be under that umbrella."
Master Design offers dining room, casual dining, master bedroom and occasional furniture. Moving forward, Hodges said the company plans to broaden its product assortment and continue improving service to its customers.
Hodges, who reports to McCalla, returns to the company during a period of other personnel changes. Recent additions are Philip Siler as vice president of merchandising, Jam Pourturk as director of engineering and product development, and Timothy Bullin as vice president of national accounts.
Hodges said no other changes in senior management are planned.
Lo said he enjoyed his time in the furniture industry, but has not decided whether he will remain with Test-Rite.
