People Today
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 29, 2008
Executives
Pier 1
FORT WORTH, Texas — Michael Benkel has joined Pier 1 Imports as senior vice president of planning and allocations.
Benkel has more than 18 years of retail experience, most recently as vice president of inventory management for Pottery Barn Retail Stores in San Francisco, where he worked for 11 years.
Earlier, he was a buyer for Macy's Department Stores.
“Michael brings great expertise in the area of planning and allocations and I am confident he will make immediate contributions to our organization that will further our progress in our goal of returning to profitability and beyond,” said Pier 1 President and CEO Alex Smith about the appointment.
Marketing/Sales
Vertis Communications
BALTIMORE — Vertis Communications, a provider of print advertising and direct marketing, has hired Jerry Cacciatore as senior vice president, pre-media operations.
For 16 years, Cacciatore was senior vice president of operations at Quebecor World Premedia. He will be based in Vertis' St. Louis facility.
“Jerry has a keen understanding of technology and extensive expertise in implementing state-of-the-art color management platforms across multiple facilities,” said Mike DuBose, Vertis' chairman and CEO. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Vertis and will be an excellent addition to our pre-media team.”
Powell Co.
CULVER CITY, Calif. — Rhonda Urbanowski has joined Powell Co. as its Ohio sales representative.
Previously, Urbanowski was a sales representative for Douglas Furniture of California. At Powell, she reports to Clay Ackard, vice president of sales.
Urbanowski replaces Michael Pressley, who has taken a position as vice president of sales for United Upholstery.
DG Associates
ROCKFORD, Ill. — DG Associates, a furniture-focused sales promotion and consulting firm, has promoted Todd Mitchell to its West Coast regional manager position.
Previously, Mitchell was regional sales manager for the company.
In his new role, he will be involved in all aspects of event planning, including sales, advertising, merchandising and warehousing.
Mitchell has more than 10 years of retail furniture and promotional sales experience.
Wright of Thomasville
THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Wright of Thomasville, graphic design supplier to the mattress industry, has hired Alex Con as its vice president of international sales and marketing.
Con has more than 24 years of experience with suppliers to the international bedding market, most recently with Tietex and before that with Blumenthal.
