Capel names Watras VP-product, creative director

Casual Living Staff -- Furniture Today, April 28, 2011

TROY, N.C. — Capel Rugs has promoted Tami Watras to the position of vice president-product and creative director.

In this new position, Watras will oversee media messaging and advertising for Capel, as well as the overall creative direction for the company. In addition to her new responsibilities, Watras will continue to oversee product development and Capel's import division, which she manages in conjunction with Import Division General Manager John Harrison.

She reports directly to John Magee, president and CEO of Capel Rugs.

"We are pleased to recognize Tami's hard work and significant contributions to the company with this much-deserved promotion," Magee said. "Her strong leadership skills and sharp eye for style have made Tami an invaluable asset to Capel Rugs. As the company continues to grow, she will play an integral part in determining how the public perceives and interacts with the brand."

 "We've worked hard the past year to bring a fresh perspective to our designs and to Capel's brand identity - but we're only getting started, the best is yet to come," Watras said.

Watras joined Capel in 2006 as a merchandising manager and most recently served as director of merchandising. In that role, Watras spearheaded Capel's New Style Point of View, which introduced a fresh style perspective for the company. She was also instrumental in securing a licensing agreement with Capel's newest design partner, Kevin O'Brien Studios.

In addition to her contributions to Capel, Watras brings more than 20 years of merchandising, product development and sourcing experience to this position.