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Chrisley succeeds Dondero as Universal president, CEO

By Powell Slaughter -- Furniture Today, April 3, 2005

High Point — Randy Chrisley has been named president and CEO of full-line importer Universal Furniture. He replaces Harvey Dondero, who resigned to pursue other career interests.

Chrisley, a 35-year industry veteran, joined Universal in November 2001 as senior vice president of sales and marketing. He previously worked for many years at Pulaski.

Dondero joined Universal as president in May 1999 from Maitland-Smith, where he'd served as president since 1994. His future plans were not immediately known.

During Dondero's tenure, Universal's marketing assets were acquired by Lacquer Craft. That move allied Universal, a licensing pioneer whose Alexander Julian line helped inspire other designer furniture lines, with a Chinese case goods manufacturing powerhouse.

Since then, Universal has developed leather and fabric upholstery programs, creating one of the industry's most potent full-line import programs.

"We'll continue to build our business model of being a vertically integrated company out of the Far East," Chrisley said. "We're looking forward to continuing growth and sustaining our well-respected leadership position in the industry.... Our company continues to retain strong retailer response, and our April 2005 market will introduce a whole new dimension to our product offerings."

Samuel Kuo, founder and owner of Lacquer Craft, said, "Harvey has made significant contributions during his years with Universal and we wish him and his family all the best.... I am extremely confident that, through (Randy's) guidance, Universal will be even more successful and innovative."

Lacquer Craft President Mohamad Amini said, "Randy has a keen understanding of Universal's current strengths in the marketplace, a clear vision for the company's growth and an enthusiasm for new opportunities."

Lacquer Craft recently opened a 4 million-square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility in Shanghai, China.

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Chrisley replaces Dondero at Universal

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