UPDATE: Jim Sherbert steps down as CEO of Bush Inds.

Jim Garde, who has led BBF division, tapped as new CEO

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, February 7, 2012

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — Jim Sherbert has stepped down as CEO of ready-to-assemble furniture specialist Bush Inds. and will retire this spring, the company announced.

Jim Sherbert

Jim Garde

Jim Garde, who has been president of the company's BBF division since August, will be the new CEO. Garde, who previously was chief financial officer and executive vice president since 2006, will also remain president of BBF as he takes his new post.

Sherbert joined Bush in August 2005 and will help guide the leadership transition before retiring. As part of that transition, he will help guide the company's international affairs.

During his time with Bush, the company has pursued major branding initiatives, including the 2011 launch of the Kathy Ireland line of home office and home entertainment furniture. In 2010 it also launched a licensing partnership with Christopher Lowell for a line of home office at Office Depot.

Bush also reorganized its line into four major collections that offer a range of styles and price points. These include My/Space by Bush Furniture, Bush Furniture Signature, Office Connect and Workplace Solutions.

In 2010, the company also rebranded its commercial office division as BBF, short for Bush Business Furniture. The line includes modular configurations for open and private office settings produced in Jamestown.

"It's been an incredible six year journey that I've taken with Bush Inds., and I'm very proud of what we've accomplished during that period and grateful to everyone at Bush who has contributed to advance the efforts of the company," Sherbert said in a statement. "I have every confidence that Jim Garde will direct the company toward continued excellence and growth."

Garde praised Sherbert for his leadership over the past six years.

"He has done a tremendous job of navigating us as a company through one of the most challenging economic periods in history," he said. "I accept my new role with the confidence that we have the people, products and position in the market to continue to thrive and excel in the industry."