York joins Fairmont Designs in product role
Will work with designers, retailers in development
Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, July 2, 2008
BUENA PARK, Calif. — Case goods and upholstery manufacturer Fairmont Designs has named Steve York vice president of product development for the company’s residential furniture division.
He replaces Ken Fonville, who will now head the company’s product development efforts for the China market.
York comes to Fairmont after 20 years in product development at Schnadig, where he worked with designers and also kept retailers involved. He will have a similar role at Fairmont, where he will be responsible for ensuring retailers have a voice in the development process, the company said.
York reports to company President Brian Edwards, who said York “fits the mold of what Fairmont Designs has become.”
“Our goal is to be more than a source providing our customers the next furniture collection, but also to provide them with a management team that pays personal attention to their interests and needs,” said Edwards.
Fonville has been with the company since January 2004 as vice president of merchandising and product development. In his new role, he reports to Chairman George Tsai.
