Executive Changes at SF Mart Michael Gennet Resigns to Head Lazar Industries Roseann Carini Promoted to General Manager

Furniture World Magazine

The San Francisco Mart announces that Michael Gennet, who has served as president since 1993, has resigned and that Roseann Carini has been promoted to the leadership helm of the Mart as general manager. Gennet is leaving the Mart to become president and chief operating officer of Lazar Industries, a contemporary upholstery manufacturer based in Los Angeles, effective October 6. Roseann Carini, who has headed the Mart's Leasing and Marketing departments for 13 years, has been named general manager. She will assume most of the responsibilities of the president, but will share some duties with Linda Corso, a Mart executive for 14 years who heads building operations, tenant improvements, shipping and security, and Ray Babcock, who has been chief financial officer since 1994. "We respect Michael's professional aspirations and his desire to return to the manufacturing sector of the industry," says Eric Grossberg, managing director of the ADCO Group, which has owned the Mart since 1968. "Michael and I have worked very closely with our executive management team, so I am confident that with their combined 36 years of experience, the Mart will continue to be a superior marketplace for both manufacturers and buyers as it has been since 1915." During his tenure, Gennet was instrumental in strengthening the Mart's ties to the retail community through his outreach and visibility at industry events. He served on such industry boards as WithIt and Philanthropy By Design and was co-chairman of the City of Hope Furniture Division's West Coast fundraiser. Over the past decade, Gennet helped attract many major manufacturers to the Mart, while coordinating positive administrative changes and new marketing programs. As general manager, Carini intends to build upon these practices. "During the last few years, the Mart has implemented many marketing and operational programs that have enhanced our services to our tenants and buyers," states Carini. "I eagerly accept the challenge of continuing to expand our influence by attracting a broad base of exhibitors and retailers, as well as by refining our customer service." The management transition should be transparent to tenants, temporary exhibitors, retail buyers and design professionals. "I am leaving the Mart with the knowledge that their experienced management team will be able to progressively move the San Francisco Market forward to even greater prominence in our industry," says Gennet. "I will continue to be a booster of the San Francisco Mart, as a tenant and as an active member of the Home Furnishings Industry." The San Francisco Furniture Market has been the West Coast's premier market for 88 years. The next market will be held from Wednesday-Saturday, January 28-31. For more information, visit www.sfmart.com or call 415-552 2311.