Hardy Retires After More Than 30 Years With La-Z-Boy

Furniture World Magazine

La-Z-Boy, the nation's largest manufacturer of upholstered furniture, has announced the retirement of Gene M. Hardy, secretary and treasurer of La-Z-Boy Incorporated. "Gene has given more than 30 years of dedicated service to La-Z-Boy," said Gerald L. Kiser, president and chief operating officer for La-Z-Boy Incorporated. "He will be greatly missed, and we wish him the best in his retirement." Hardy began his La-Z-Boy career in 1969 as assistant to the controller in Monroe. He was promoted to corporate controller in 1976, to corporate secretary in 1982, and to his current position as secretary and treasurer in 1983."I have been fortunate to not only have seen first-hand, but also to have participated in much of the growth of this premier furniture company," said Hardy of his career with La-Z-Boy. "It has been a privilege to know and work with so many fine people." A Navy veteran who served three years active duty and seven years with the Navy Reserves, Mr. Hardy attained the rank of lieutenant commander and served as executive officer of a naval reserve unit in Toledo, Ohio. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Alabama and holds certified public accounting certificates from California and Ohio. Hardy's retirement plans include spending more time with his wife, Jo, and doing more of the things he enjoys – gardening, traveling, playing golf and tennis, skiing and becoming involved in community volunteerism. Hardy and his wife will continue to reside in Holland, Ohio. Headquartered in Monroe, Mich., La-Z-Boy Incorporated is the nation's largest manufacturer of upholstered furniture and the world's leading producer of reclining chairs. With annual sales in excess of $2 billion, the company employs approximately 21,000 people, has 57 manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada and Europe, and operates through eleven independent divisions: La-Z-Boy Residential, La-Z-Boy Business Furniture Group, Hammary Furniture Company, Kincaid Furniture Company, Alexvale Furniture, Inc., England/Corsair, Inc., La-Z-Boy Canada, Centurion Furniture PLC, Sam Moore Furniture Industries, Bauhaus USA Inc. and LADD Furniture, Inc. Shares of La-Z-Boy Incorporated common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol LZB.