Welcome to our bi-weekly roundup of employee comings and goings and other people-related news across the home furnishings industry. Here’s the latest:
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Caroline Hipple, CEO of HB2 Resources, was elected chair of the American Home Furnishings Alliance board of directors during the organization’s Annual Meeting & CEO Conference in Savannah, Ga., last month.
She is the first woman to serve as board chair in the association’s 120-year history. Hipple, who joined the AHFA Board in 2020, was the fourth woman to serve as a director on the board, following Amini Audi (Stickley) in 2008, Stefanie Lucas (Rowe Furniture) in 2010 and Karol Czanderna (Flexsteel) in 2015.
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Longtime furniture industry veteran Jay Quimby has returned to Manwah, a global upholstery manufacturer, as senior vice president of special accounts. Quimby was previously president and CEO of Level Up Home.
“Jay brings decades of deep retailer relationships and industry experience,” said Gabriele Natale, president of Manwah. “His network and understanding of retail dynamics will be instrumental as more partners look to leverage the Manwah platform in 2026.
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Hooker Furnishings has named Adam Tilley, formerly president of HMI, to the role of president of Hooker Branded, overseeing Hooker case goods and Hooker upholstery.
In his new role, Tilley will focus on driving strategic business initiatives, supporting growth and ensuring operational excellence across both brands. The transition takes effect immediately.
The move does not impact Hooker Furnishings‘ domestic upholstery or Sunset West. He will report to Jeremy Hoff, CEO of Hooker Furnishings.
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Portmeirion Group has promoted executives Michael Close and Joe Fittipaldi upon the departure of its president, Bill Robedee.
Robedee, who had been with Portmeirion Group since 2019, and with Nambé, now a Portmeirion Group brand, for five years prior to that, has left the company to return to practicing corporate and commercial law.
Close has been named president of sales. He was previously senior vice president of sales and has been with the company for 13 years.
Fittipaldi has been named president of finance. He was previously senior vice president of finance.
Close and Filipatti will work together to drive the U.S. and Canadian business for Portmeirion Group, which is based in the U.K. and whose brands include Portmeirion, Royal Worcester, Spode and Nambé.
