CEO, creative director have expanded roles at Massoud

Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, February 29, 2012

Chuck Massoud

Ronna Griest

DALLAS — Upper-end upholstery maker Massoud has expanded the roles of CEO Chuck Massoud and Creative Director Ronna Griest, both assuming duties of former President Tom Skipper.

Skipper left recently to become president of furniture and cabinet source Habersham.

Massoud will continue to direct operations, strategy, development and financing, with expanded involvement in sales management.

Griest, who reports to Massoud, will maintain responsibility for the creative direction of the line, including fabric selection, frame development and trade show merchandising. She also will now share increased sales management duties with Massoud, continuing to work with the sales team, and retailer and designer customers, to help shape and strengthen the company's marketing and merchandising direction.

Griest joined Massoud as creative director last June from Paul Robert, where she was design director. She has more than 30 years of experience in the upholstered furniture and the fabric industry. She co-founded former retailer Expressions Custom Furniture in 1980 and led the 75-store company until it was sold to investors in 1992. Griest also has held executive roles at Covington Fabrics and Century Furniture.

Massoud, son of company founder Charles Massoud, joined the manufacturer in 1988. Under his direction, the company has added new styles to its traditional offerings, and invested in cost-saving, automated production equipment.

All products are made in the Texas plant here, where 90% of the fabrics used are stocked to ensure prompt delivery.