A.R.T. Furniture names Jeff Cook president

John Iasiello, Bill Sibbick also promoted

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, January 10, 2011

Jeff Cook

Bill Sibbick

John Iasiello

Cook comes to the company from Broyhill Furniture, where had been president from March 2007 until resigning last week. Before joining Broyhill, he was president of importer Magnussen Home since December 1998, and president and CEO of Magnussen since August 2002.

A.R.T. hasn't had a president for the past five years. During much of that time, the responsibilities have been overseen by CEO Ed Grund, and by John Iasiello, vice president of product development and key accounts, and Bill Sibbick, vice president of sales and marketing.

As president, Cook reports to Grund and will oversee sales, marketing and product development.

A.R.T.'s last president was Greg Beckman, who has not been with the company for a number of years, Grund said.

He added that a search for a new president has been under way for some time and that the company is fortunate to have Cook in the role.

"I am very pleased," Grund said. "I have known Jeff for years. He has been very visible in the industry, and as a young company, we feel that to have a person with his background and visibility in the industry is a very good thing."

Grund said the move is part of an effort to strengthen the A.R.T. management team.

The company also has promoted Iasiello to senior vice president of product development and key accounts. It also has promoted Bill Sibbick to senior vice president of sales and marketing.

"We are recognizing the significant contributions of John and Bill to our development with these promotions," Grund added.

Iasiello and Sibbick both report to Cook. All three will be based in High Point.

"This series of moves with Jeff joining and John and Bill being promoted positions us to continue the significant growth we have had in the future," said Grund, who as CEO will continue to be responsible for the oversight of the company and its strategy.