Richard Magnussen Named CEO & President Of Magnussen Home

Furniture World Magazine

Magnussen Home Furnishings, Inc. has consolidated its management team, formally returning leadership of the company to Richard Magnussen, who will serve as chief executive officer and president. Don Essenberg has been promoted to executive vice president, chief marketing officer. He formerly was the company’s senior vice president of sales. “Over the past seven years, we have assembled a team that has enabled Magnussen Home to meet and exceed our goals. Stepping back into management of the company on a daily basis is something that I’m comfortable doing and I’m enjoying it greatly,” Magnussen says. “I’m confident in our management team, where we are and where we’re going, particularly with Don in this new position as our chief marketing officer. He has proven himself with our company and his track record speaks for itself.” In addition to driving the strategic direction of the company, Magnussen says he personally will focus on further streamlining the company’s infrastructure, based on the principles of trust, honesty and respect. “My efforts will be to strengthen the back end of our business and what we are known for – fast, on-time deliveries and quality that live up to what we promise. We will continue to place a priority on building value into our product line.” Essenberg’s responsibilities will include overseeing the entire marketing process, including brand development, merchandising and sales. “It is very exciting to be a part of the Magnussen Home marketing team,” Essenberg says. “This will be the first time in our 76 year history that our sales, merchandising, and marketing efforts have been fully integrated. We believe that this new focus will enable us to better serve our retail partners and provide the consumer with new, exciting and affordable home fashions.” Essenberg is the third generation of his family to work in the furniture business and has one of the most comprehensive backgrounds in the industry. Essenberg joined Magnussen Home in June 2005, with previous experience including positions as vice president of sales and vice president of case goods merchandising for Broyhill Furniture Industries Inc., vice president of sales for Berkline, LLC, and national sales and marketing manager over the case goods division and gallery programs for Bernhardt Furniture Company. “With all of the sales and marketing functions under Don’s direction, we will be better able to move forward with our strategic plans,” Magnussen says. “Don has a passion for success and is a consummate professional who exemplifies what Magnussen Home is all about, among our staff, our customers, our vendors and the industry.” Magnussen Home Furnishings, Inc. designs, imports, and distributes medium- and upper-medium-priced occasional tables, accent furniture, bedroom, dining room and home entertainment furniture across all style categories for retailers around the world. The company brings more than 20 years of experience with offshore sourcing focused on quality control of state-of-the-art technology, workmanship, finishing and timely delivery. Magnussen Home has permanent showrooms in High Point, Toronto and Las Vegas with a state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution center in Riverside, Calif. Its U.S. Sales and Marketing Offices are located in High Point, N.C. The Canadian company is headquartered in New Hamburg, Ontario.