IMC Announces Leadership Changes

Furniture World News Desk on 2/24/2023

Pictured L to R: Dorothy Belshaw, Karen Olson, Brett Austin and Brian Archer.

International Market Centers (IMC) has announced changes to its executive and senior leadership teams, with Dorothy Belshaw promoted into the new role of EVP, Chief Growth Officer, and long-time IMC employees Karen Olson, Brett Austin and Brian Archer assuming expanded roles and responsibilities.

“These staff changes offer IMC exciting new opportunities to leverage the experience of our senior team members,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC.  “Both individually – and collectively – Dorothy, Karen, Brett and Brian have made significant contributions to IMC’s past successes.  In their new roles, they will iterate and innovate to provide a market experience that is efficient, effective and compelling for our customers.”

Belshaw promoted to EVP, Chief Growth Officer

In the newly created role of EVP, Chief Growth Officer, Belshaw will tap into more than three decades of industry experience to direct IMC’s growth, evolution and business expansion – in both the physical and digital realms. In her new role, Belshaw will be responsible for all IMC revenues as well as company-wide strategic growth initiatives. IMC leasing and tradeshow Senior Vice Presidents Ryan Mahoney (Furniture), Julie Messner (Home Décor), Katie Miner (ADAC), Terence Morris (Gift) and Caron Stover (Apparel), as well as Jesse James, Vice President of Shoppe Object, now report directly to Belshaw.

Belshaw is a more than 30-year veteran of the trade show industry.  She joined IMC in 2012 as President of its fledgling Gift division, with the specific charge of expanding Las Vegas offerings, and her role soon broadened across IMC’s Las Vegas and High Point campuses. As a member of IMC’s executive leadership team, she helped facilitate IMC’s acquisition and integration of AmericasMart Atlanta in 2018 and Shoppe Object in 2022.  Prior to joining IMC, she was SVP for George Little Management (GLM), the nation’s leading producer of consumer product tradeshows.

“Dorothy’s experience with revenue oversight and new business development, coupled with her 360-degree knowledge of our customers, uniquely positions her to help drive IMC’s growth,” said Maricich. “Dorothy has been a guiding influence this past decade and a valuable partner to me in defining what IMC is today, and will be tomorrow.  IMC’s industry-leading markets in Atlanta, Las Vegas and High Point are juggernauts of commerce connecting 250,000 unique and qualified buyers with more than 13,000 brands year-round. Dorothy’s experience, leadership and insights will be invaluable in executing IMC’s omnichannel strategy.

New Positions & Promotions for Key IMC Staff 

Veteran IMC staffers, Karen Olson, Brett Austin and Brian Archer also assume expanded roles and responsibilities.

Karen Olson assumes the role of Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to Maricich.  Olson has a more than 25-year career in wholesale marketing and business strategy. Since joining IMC in 2011, she has made an indelible imprint on the company’s marketing for High Point, as well as its expansion into Las Vegas in 2011, Atlanta in 2018 and JuniperMarket in 2020.

Brett Austin assumes the role of Senior Vice President, Procurement & Production, reporting to Bill Lacey, IMC CFO.  Austin has 20+ years of experience in managing advertising sales, production, procurement, project management and creative services. He joined IMC in 2018 as part of the company’s acquisition of AmericasMart Atlanta and oversees marketing operations across the company’s three campuses. 

Brian Archer assumes additional responsibility as Senior Vice President of LightFair.  Archer brings nearly 20 years of financial and accounting experience to his current role as Chief Accounting Officer for IMC. He joined IMC in 2014, with responsibility for oversight of the accounting, tax, treasury, risk management, payroll and financial reporting functions. He also serves as Board member of LightFair, an annual commercial lighting tradeshow, owned by IMC in partnership with IALD and IES.  Dan Darby continues as LightFair Senior Vice President and Show Director, reporting directly to Archer. 

“These promotions will allow us more effectively to support the current needs of our business, differentiate the customer experience and drive more value to all constituents,” said Maricich.

Scott Eckman Departs IMC

Scott Eckman, who joined IMC in 2011 and most recently served as EVP, Chief Revenue Officer, leaves IMC to become President of Loloi Rugs, a family-owned rug and home decor business with permanent showrooms in markets including Atlanta Market, High Point Market and Las Vegas Market.

“Scott’s business acumen, industry experience and collaborative leadership style position him well for this exciting new opportunity,” said Maricich. “I am happy for him, thank him for his immeasurable contributions to building the IMC of today, and look forward to continuing to work with him as a customer in IMC’s markets in Atlanta, High Point and Las Vegas.”

About International Market Centers
 International Market Centers (IMC) serves as the center of commerce for the wholesale furniture, gift, home decor and apparel industries. IMC has more than 60 years of relationships and experience creating scalable business platforms for wholesale commerce. Our premium showroom spaces spanning more than 20 million square feet in High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta, paired with our digital tools connect the wholesale industries we serve. IMCenters.com.