Leon's 'Mr. Tom' stepping down as chairman
Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, March 14, 2005
Toronto — Alban Leon's grandchildren will take control of the retailer he founded 96 years ago when Anthony T. Leon steps down as chairman of Leon's Furniture.
Mr. Tom, as he's known at the company and in the industry, has been chairman of the publicly held, family-managed chain since 1989 and has been on its board since it went public in 1969.
One of Alban Leon's youngest children, he has worked at the company for the past 63 years. Before taking on the chairman's role, he was president and CEO.
Anthony Leon, 80, will become chairman emeritus after the company's annual meeting May 12.
Mark Leon, 53, now vice chairman and CEO, will become chairman. Terry Leon, 54, currently president and chief operating officer, will take on the CEO post as well. Mark and Terry Leon are the third generation of the Leon family to lead the company.
Terry Leon said the company plans no other major changes in senior management or strategy.
"I now have to be a little more concerned about the future and ensure that we have strategic plans in place that allow us to continue to grow while being profitable at the same time," he said. "I want to make sure that we continue to be a good partner, not only for our shareholders but our other stakeholders as well — including our associates, our suppliers and our customers."
