Al Wiygul named CEO of upholstery producer American Furniture Mfg.

Cindy W. Hodnett -- Furniture Today, November 8, 2012

ECRU, Miss. — Promotional upholstery manufacturer American Furniture Mfg. said it has hired Al Wiygul, a veteran industry executive and most recently president of Bauhaus USA, as CEO.

He succeeds Mike Thomas, who will retire at the end of the year as planned.

Since 2006, Wiygul has been president of Bauhaus USA, a division of La-Z-Boy, after joining the company in 2002 as vice president of operations. From 1996 to 2002, he was vice president of operations at Berkline and has also held senior management positions at Bassett Furniture, Stratford Home Furniture and Washington Furniture during his 40-year career.

"We are proud to welcome a professional of Al's caliber to lead AFM," said Alan Offenberg, chairman of American Furniture Mfg. and CEO of Compass Diversified Holdings, American's parent company. "Al brings to AFM significant experience in all aspects of the furniture business, which will serve our company well as we continue to operate in a challenging market environment.

"We thank Mike for his numerous contributions and exemplary service over the past eight years, and are pleased he will remain available to consult with the company through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition," Offenberg added.

Wiygul said American "has a strong infrastructure in place combined with a flexible and cost-efficient business model that provides the opportunity for attractive growth as market conditions improve."