La-Z-Boy Announces Sales & Marketing Management Changes

Furniture World Magazine

La-Z-Boy Incorporated announced several management changes within the Sales and Marketing areas of its La-Z-Boy Residential Division. Greg White has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. In this new capacity, Greg will report to Kurt L. Darrow, President and Chief Executive Officer of La-Z-Boy Incorporated, with all Sales and Merchandising functions, as well as Real Estate and Customer Service, reporting directly to him. Greg began his career at La-Z-Boy in 1988, and has worked in various positions of increasing responsibility throughout the organization, including customer service and product line merchandising. He was named Vice President of Merchandising in 1997 and assumed additional responsibilities for Sales in 2004. Darrow stated, "Throughout Greg's tenure, he has developed a deep understanding of both our business and industry. He continues to be involved in developing and maturing our product line in various categories and has been instrumental in expanding our leather business. Additionally, he streamlined the structure of our sales force this past year and, importantly, enjoys an excellent rapport with our customers, the field sales team and our suppliers, which will serve our organization well in years to come." Doug Collier will continue in his role as Chief Marketing Officer reporting directly to Darrow. In this capacity, Doug is responsible for coordinating all La-Z-Boy brand initiatives globally throughout the corporation, including leading all marketing strategies and programs for La-Z-Boy Residential and the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries(R) system. Darrow stated, "Doug is a seasoned and extremely qualified marketing professional. Having worked for our organization at two different points in his career, he has contributed significantly to our consumer insight, branding, marketing and Internet efforts. Most importantly, he has led teams through the development and execution of break-through creative programs during what have been and continue to be pivotal times in our company's history." Steve Matlock, who is relocating back to the West Coast, has been named to the new role of Vice President, Retail Development. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In his new position, Steve will report to Greg White and will work directly with the company's independent La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries dealers to provide them with strategic direction and support to improve their performance. Darrow said, "Steve has spent 35 years with La-Z-Boy, with the majority of his career as a sales representative in Arizona and Southern Nevada, where he built the territory into one of the premier performers in the country. Since 2004, Steve played a vital role in the corporate management team of La-Z-Boy Residential, providing strong leadership on the sales and marketing side of our business. We appreciate Steve's passion and commitment to our business, and the many contributions and ideas he has brought to fruition during his management tenure. We are confident he will play a pivotal role in improving the performance of our La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network in his new position." Darrow continued, "As a result of these changes, our management structure will be leaner with all sales and marketing programs and strategy channeled through Greg, Doug and their respective teams. These changes are effective immediately and we expect a smooth transition of responsibilities." Background Information: La-Z-Boy Incorporated is one of the world's leading residential furniture producers, marketing furniture for every room of the home. The La-Z-Boy Upholstery Group companies are Bauhaus, England and La-Z-Boy. The La-Z-Boy Casegoods Group companies are American Drew/Lea, Hammary and Kincaid. The corporation's proprietary distribution network is dedicated exclusively to selling La-Z-Boy Incorporated products and brands, and includes 335 stand-alone La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries(R) stores, 57 La-Z-Boy In-Store Galleries and 333 Comfort Studios, in addition to in-store gallery programs at the company's Kincaid, England and Lea operating units. According to industry trade publication In Furniture, the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries retail network is North America's largest single-brand furniture retailer.