Maricich to lead WMC
Former Century chief named CEO
By Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, February 4, 2008
Las Vegas — Industry veteran Bob Maricich, a longtime executive at high-end manufacturer Century, has been named president and CEO of the World Market Center.
The stunning development, which was announced on the opening day of last week's furniture market, fills a post that had been vacant since Harvey Dondero resigned last year.
Maricich, who had been CEO of Hickory, N.C.-based Century for eight years, is joining the market center on the eve of the opening of its third showroom building and the ground-breaking for the fourth.
"It was a very difficult decision (to leave Century), but making a difference in the industry is very, very important to me, and this is a great platform to accomplish that," Maricich said.
Alex Shuford II, president and CEO of CV Industries, parent company of privately-owned Century and of Valdese Weavers, is serving as interim president and CEO at Century.
The company said there are no immediate plans to replace Maricich.
Maricich said he decided to accept the WMC post after several lengthy discussions with co-managing partners Shawn Samson and Jack Kashani, as well as meetings with executives of Related Companies, the real estate development firm that's backing the project.
"Until then, I hadn't taken time to find out what the World Market Center is really all about," he said. "I was blown away by the size and the scope of the investment."
Prior to joining WMC, Maricich had been an ardent supporter of the High Point Market, and had appeared in testimonial advertisements sponsored by the High Point Market Authority.
He said he has no regrets about comments attributed to him in the ad, and said he is proud of his accomplishments at Century and on behalf of the furniture industry. (He chaired the North Carolina Furniture Export Council from 2000–04 and served for many years on the board of directors of the American Home Furnishings Alliance.)
"I have always been a person of integrity ...and I haven't built my reputation by running down the competition," said Maricich.
In a related move, WMC officials said general manager Dave Palmer, the first employee hired by managing partners Shawn Samson and Jack Kashani, was retiring at the conclusion of last week's market.
Palmer joined the WMC in 2001, long before ground was broken for the first showroom building.
"I am privileged to have been a part of such a dynamic project," said Palmer, a 40-year veteran of the home furnishings industry. "And I'm proud that we have been able to build it bigger, better and faster than we anticipated."
