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Emerald promotes Robert Kirchmeyer, hires Rich Favata

Both are former company presidents

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 23, 2009

TACOMA, Wash. — Case goods and upholstery resource Emerald Home Furnishings has promoted Robert Kirchmeyer to senior vice president, a new position, and has hired industry veteran Rich Favata as vice president of upholstery operations.

Robert Kirchmeyer

Rich Favata

Kirchmeyer has been with Emerald since January as vice president of product development.

Before joining the company, he was president and a co-owner of Canyon Mill Furniture, a bath and kitchen furniture specialist that was founded in 2007 and was sold to case goods importer RiversEdge Furniture early this year.

Earlier, Kirchmeyer had a 23-year career with Atlanta-based retailer Havertys, most recently as vice president and merchandise manager.

In his new role, he reports to Emerald President David Beckmann. Beckmann called Kirchmeyer the "link between Emerald's product development team in South Asia and the sales and customer base."

"Robert is a true industry professional in the area of product development and management," Beckmann said in a statement. "He has a complete understanding of the needs of the major furniture retailers."

Favata most recently was president of Tennessee-based upholstery manufacturer New Generations for 12 years. Previously, he was responsible for product development at River Oaks Furniture. At Emerald, he reports to Kirchmeyer.

Beckmann said the company has been successful developing its upholstered line - its fastest growing category - on a regional basis, primarily serving the West Coast.

"Rich elevates Emerald to a new level," Beckmann said. "His ability to understand fashion trends and develop unique fabrics is his trademark. Rich creates fabric correlations as well as anyone I have worked with in the industry. His input will provide a new level of expertise in our upholstery assortment."

Favata will be responsible for a new line of upholstery that will be shown at the October High Point Market in Emerald's new 25,000-square-foot showroom in space 201, Center Point.

More High Point Market October 2009 Coverage

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Emerald taps Kirchmeyer, Favata

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