Welcome to our 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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Full-line furniture manufacturer AICO has promoted Jerry Robles to vice president, visual showroom design and display.
With nearly three decades at AICO, Robles most recently served as showroom manager and director of showroom logistics.
“His promotion is a testament to what dedication, exceptional work ethic, a tremendous attitude and creative talent can achieve,” said Michael Amini, founder and CEO. “I look forward to seeing him continue to grow and succeed in this well-deserved position.”
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The High Point Market Authority has updated its Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) committee for 2026, including its chair and vice chair positions, along with the addition of new committee members.
Effective this month, Ben Johnston assumes the role of chair while Victoria Sanchez becomes vice chair.
Four new committee members include Rhonnika Clifton (RJ Clifton Design + Build), Marie Cloud (Indigo Pruitt Design Studio), Rhobin DelaCruz (Rhobin DelaCruz Designs) and Don Ricardo Massenburg (Design Inkredible).
Facilitated by social innovation firm Change Often, the DAA was established in 2022 with 13 founding members to advance, improve and support diversity, equity and inclusion within the home furnishings sector.
The committee organizes a variety of events during the biannual High Point Market trade shows. Its annual Diversity Advocacy Alliance Awards recognize outstanding efforts in the areas of inclusivity, access and social responsibility by individuals and companies within the industry.
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Jamie Young Co., a furniture, lighting and decor company founded and owned by David Jeter and Jamie Young Jeter, has named a furniture industry sales veteran to a key leadership role.
Paul Sklar has been named as vice president of sales and business development at Jamie Young Co., bringing more than two decades of home furnishings experience to the team.
In his new role, he will be responsible for driving revenue growth, expanding strategic accounts and leading sales execution across core wholesale and emerging channels. Sklar has previously worked with Ashley Furniture, Gabriella White, Wolverine Worldwide and Ralph Lauren.
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Luxury department store retail Bloomingdale’s is welcoming a new general merchandise manager for home.
Russ Patrick spent more than 33 years at Neiman Marcus, beginning his career at the legendary company as an assistant buyer and department manager in 1990. He rose through the ranks within the merchandising organization for several years and in 2016 was named SVP/GMM head merchant for men’s, gifts & home and children’s for Neiman Marcus Stores, Online and Horchow. He left the company in January 2024.
Bloomingdale’s announced the hire on its LinkedIn page late last week.
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Lighting and home décor retailer Lumens has appointed retail veteran Dave Nielsen CEO.
Nielsen replaces Cristina Miller, who had been interim CEO since March 2025, and reports Piero Gandini, executive chairman of the Flos B&B Italia Group, Lumens‘ parent company.
Nielsen, who was most recently president of Beyond, Inc., will apply his experience to Lumens’ marketplace model, Lumens said, and oversee the company’s growing North American presence.
