Art Van Names Marketing, PR Senior VP

October 25, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on October 26, 2010 Diane Sikes has been named senior vice president of marketing and public relations for retailer Art Van Furniture.

In her new position, Sikes will oversee and direct all aspects of advertising, Internet, community relations and public relations activities for the Warren, Mich.-based retailer.

€œMs. Sikes has extensive knowledge of the retail industry and is a leader in Internet marketing, an area we plan on growing," said Art Van Elslander. "She is an exciting addition to Art Van Furniture."

For the past year, Sikes has been the primary representative to Art Van from the advertising agency Sussman/Sikes, where she was a partner. During that time Art Van Furniture achieved noticeable sales increases with highly successful advertising campaigns including €œWe€™ve Got the Look€ and €œSimply Irresistible€œ.

€œDiana has been a major contributor to Art Van€™s marketing and public relations efforts even as an external resource€, said Kim Yost, CEO, €œWe are pleased she has decided to join the company and we know she will be a great addition to our leadership team.€œ

Sikes is a veteran strategic marketing and advertising leader with a 28-year retail marketing career. €œFor those of us who love retail, there is no better organization than Art Van Furniture," Sikes said. "Their dedication to exceeding customer expectations and to innovation is legendary. It is an honor to be invited to join a team of this talent and depth."

Sikes' retail marketing experience includes work with Weight Watchers,  Hansons and numerous healthcare clients.  Sikes begins her new position Nov. 1.

Sussman/Sikes continues as agency of record for Art Van Furniture.