Karen Ryder Joins Dallas Market Center as Chief Operating Officer

Furniture World News Desk on 11/29/2022

Retail and digital veteran Karen Ryder has joined Dallas Market Center as Chief Operating Officer, the company has announced. Ryder, who has been consulting for the company over several months, is responsible for overseeing marketing, retail development, market services, IT, and digital. She brings experience in retail, brand development, and technology to her new role. She reports to president and CEO Cindy Morris.

“This is a pivotal moment for the future of our company,” said president and CEO Cindy Morris. “As we evolve to meet the changing demands of our customers, Karen’s background in technology, brand development, and growth strategies will be invaluable. She’s a proven leader who has demonstrated the ability to advance corporate goals while also serving customers and developing talented leaders. Our continuing focus on growing buyers and brands, supported by technology, will benefit from her knowledge and expertise.”

Ryder joins Dallas Market Center during unprecedented growth in buyers visiting the marketplace and new brands taking space in its 5 million square foot collection of buildings. The marketplace has recently debuted more than 50 new or expanding showrooms, held market events that are larger than in numerous years, and welcomed a record number of new buyers from around the world with the largest growth coming from the southeast, upper midwest, and western U.S.

“I’m pleased to join a company motivated to create new pathways to growth supported by a strong family legacy and marketplace momentum,” said Karen Ryder. “I’m also looking forward to advancing our mission of inspiration and commerce in innovative ways. This business is driven by great products and people with a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, so I view the opportunity to work together with such important stakeholders as the chance of a lifetime.”    

Ryder joins an executive team with decades of experience including Cindy Morris, president and CEO; Joan Ulrich, EVP of Leasing for Gift, Home, and Lighting; Eva Walsh, SVP of Leasing for Apparel, Accessories, and Footwear; Cherie Marcus, EVP of Finance; Mitzi Tally, EVP of Lease Administration; and Jeff Bachman, EVP of Technology and Facility Services.

She also joins recent arrivals Dave Savula, Business Development Strategist, and Jo Ann Miller Marshall, SVP Temp Leasing for Home & Gift.

Ryder brings to the position an impressive background that includes brick and mortar retail and digital. She previously served in positions including VP of Growth for Michaels, Global Head of Brand & Retail at RewardStyle (now LTK), and Director of Global Innovation and Corporate Strategy at the Estee Lauder Companies.

Upcoming trade events in Dallas include the Total Home & Gift Market (January 4-10, The Temps at Total Home & Gift Market, January 4-7), Lightovation (January 10-13), Dallas Apparel & Accessories Market (January 10-13), KidsWorld (January 10-13), WESA’s International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market (January 12-15), the AETA International Trade Show (January 12-15), and the Dallas Men’s Show (January 28-30).

About Dallas Market Center

Dallas Market Center is a global business-to-business trade center and the leading wholesale marketplace in North America connecting retailers and interior designers with top manufacturers in gifts, home décor, gourmet and housewares, holiday/floral, gifts, lighting, and apparel and accessories. Inside its dynamic, five million square foot campus, nearly 200,000 customers from all 50 states and 85 countries seek industry trends, business education and new products from exhibitors throughout the year via dominant trade events for gift, home décor, holiday and floral; the nation’s most comprehensive apparel and accessories markets featuring the latest styles from East Coast and West Coast designers; the largest residential lighting trade event in North America; and the largest and most successful open-daily design center. The marketplace is located in the strongest economic zone in the country. In addition, more than 80% of Dallas Market Center buyers report that they do not shop other market centers. To make plans for upcoming markets, visit the Dallas Market Center website and download the Dallas Market Center App. Also, keep up-to-date on all information by visiting Dallas Market Center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and the Dallas Market Center blog.