Executives
CIT Group
New York — The board of CIT Group, a big player in factoring and other financial services, has named President and CEO Jeffrey Peek to the additional post of chairman.
He succeeds Albert Gamper Jr., who retired Dec. 31. Peter J. Tobin continues as lead director on CIT's board.
Tempur-Pedic International
Lexington, Ky. — Visco-elastic mattress and pillow producer Tempur-Pedic International has hired Matt Clift to fill the newly created post of executive vice president of operations, and has promoted Thomas Bryant to president, from executive vice president and president of North American operations.
Clift's 23 years of management experience include key posts at Lexmark International, formerly owned by IBM.
Bryant continues to oversee the company's day-to-day U.S. and international business activities, and reports to CEO Robert Trussell.
FKQ Advertising
Clearwater, Fla. — FKQ Advertising and Marketing, whose clients includes Badcock Home Furniture & more, has named Kent Nereim associate creative director-retail.
Nereim, who has been with FKQ since 1995, has been creative group head and senior art director.
Valspar
Minneapolis — Finish supplier Valspar has promoted three executives to corporate vice presidents. Their duties remain unchanged.
Kate Bass is now vice president, Information Technology and Furniture Solutions Group. Bern Ouimette is vice president, Americas, Packaging Group. Steve Person is vice president, sales and marketing, Architectural Group.
Professionals
Barbour Spangle Design Group
High Point — Former furniture retailer Anne K. Barnhardt has joined the design staff of Barbour Spangle Design Group here. She will develop a new division focused on high-end residential interior design.
She previously was owner and president of Timberline Fine Furniture in Boulder, Colo.
Buxbaum Group
Calabasas, Calif. — Adam Cohen has joined the consulting firm Buxbaum Group as an appraisal analyst. He is a 2004 graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and interned with two California companies.
Buxbaum, based here, and its affiliates provide services in asset appraisals, turnaround management, downsizing strategies and liquidation.
Contact us
Retailers, manufacturers, suppliers and trade associations are invited to send releases and photographs for appointments, promotions and awards to: People/Today, P.O. Box 2754, High Point, N.C. 27261. Releases also can be faxed to (336) 605-1143. Please include a contact phone number. If you have questions about People/Today, call Fran Marshall at (336) 605-1044, or e-mail her at fmarshall@reedbusiness.com.
