Cary Benson named president of Palliser Furniture

Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, December 14, 2012

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Manufacturer Palliser Furniture has promoted industry veteran Cary Benson to president, with responsibility for all functions.

Cary Benson

Lorri Kelly

He will report to Art DeFehr, who remains CEO of the parent company, which includes the furniture business and a real estate business.

Benson joined Palliser in March 2010 as president of sales and marketing.

"We are pleased to have an experienced leader like Cary take over the position of president. He has a good understanding of both of our important markets — Canada and the U.S. — and has been instrumental in helping us achieve growth of over 20% during this year," DeFehr said in a statement.

Before joining Palliser, Benson was president of Natuzzi Americas until late 2009. Prior to that, he held a similar position with the Dallas-based upholstery specialist American Leather.

In another addition to the upholstery producer's executive team, Lorri Kelley has been promoted to vice president of sales and service. She joined Palliser in August 2009 and most recently served as vice president of sales for the western United States and western Canada.

"Lorri is an experienced sales management professional who has an understanding of our markets and many positive relationships with our retailers. I am very glad to have a person of Lorri's talent take over this important role for our company," Benson said.

In her new role, Kelley will be responsible for all Palliser sales in Canada, the United States, Mexico and international.

Jessica Smithson will continue in the role of marketing manager, reporting to Benson.