Newton rejoins Orian Rugs in business development role

Alex Lemonde-Gray -- Furniture Today, July 25, 2012

ANDERSON, S.C. — Orian Rugs has hired Don Newton to the position of senior vice president of business development.

Don Newton

Newton had worked for Orian previously for about three years in a similar position, said Mikala Moller, the company's director of marketing and merchandising. He has also held leadership roles with KAS and Milliken Rugs and has more than 27 years of rug industry experience.

"We are extremely excited to have Don back on our executive team, as his skills and experience are a perfect fit for where we are in our company's growth cycle," said Wim De Pape, chief operating officer of Orian Rugs. "Newton is a well-known talent in our industry and bringing him back to our team will take our new business development focus, relationships and expertise to a whole new level."

In his new position, Newton will take on many of the responsibilities formerly held by Brandon Culpepper, who worked as vice president of sales and new business development at Orian prior to leaving to join Mohawk earlier this year. Newton is responsible for developing Orian's national sales team and expanding the company's account base into furniture stores and independent flooring and rug retailers.

"I am thrilled to rejoin the Orian Rugs team," Newton said. "Orian has a group of tremendously talented people, paired with incredible product and service capabilities. I look forward to once again playing an integral role in Orian's continued success."

According to Moller, Orian's relatively new sales strategy of targeting furniture retailers - best illustrated by the company's High Point Market debut in April - has been successful. The company has already surpassed its sales forecast for the year, she said.