People around the industry

Sikorsky

Greensboro, N.C. — Bassett Furniture veteran Jeffrey W. Bowler has joined manufacturer Lea Inds. as vice president of sales, and two other executives have changed jobs at La-Z-Boy's Lea and American Drew business units.

Earl Wang, previously Lea vice president of product development and design, was promoted to vice president/Lea brand manager. John Gerber, who has been senior vice president of sales for both American Drew and Lea, now will be dedicated to American Drew.

Bowler worked for Bassett for nine years in a number of sales and marketing positions, most recently as vice president of field sales. Previously, he spent six years in retail.

"These strategic appointments will continue to take the American Drew and Lea brands forward, as each brand will have a more focused approach," said Jack Richardson, president of American Drew and Lea. "We will be able to further solidify Lea as America's No. 1 youth bedroom provider and continue to strengthen the American Drew brand as we bring style and fashion to more modest price points."

Wang and Gerber report to Richardson, and Bowler reports to Wang.

Winnipeg, Manitoba — Palliser Furniture has hired Joan Sikorsky as product manager for its youth case goods category. She reports to Kevin Minarz, senior product manager for domestic case goods.

Sikorsky is responsible for the merchandising and development of Palliser's youth product line. She joined Palliser more than 10 years ago as an interior designer and has designed Palliser showrooms, studio sets, office spaces and retail galleries. Sikorsky has also worked in Palliser's retail operations, where she integrated her interior design with store layout, product range analysis, advertising and merchandising.

Richmond, Va. — Jog stroller manufacturer The Baby Jogger Co. has expanded its independent sales force to include several new sales executives who will focus on infant specialty stores. The new hires will complement the 29 sales representatives who were recently hired to handle the cycling/running/outdoor categories.

Among those hired are Ann Whalen Blay of MJ Whalen & Associates, covering Southern California and Hawaii; Betty Kent and Steve Sherman of Kent Sales, covering northern California and the Pacific Northwest; Chick Uhlen, Aileen Uhlen and Skip Uhlen of the Uhlen Group, covering the Mid-Atlantic region; and Heidi Mott of Mott Sales, covering Florida and Puerto Rico.

"Over the past year, our focus has been on refining the 2005–06 line of products to better meet the needs of our baby specialty retail customers," said Justin Gottlieb, director of sales and marketing. "I am confident that our new sales team, backed by a wealth of experience in the baby specialty category, will help us grow our existing dealer base and offer our current retailers unmatched support, helping them to succeed with our products."