Colburn to Succeed Coleman as Hickory Springs CEO

October 18, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on October 19, 2011

David Colburn has been named president and CEO of furniture components vendor Hickory Springs Mfg., effective Jan. 1.

He succeeds outgoing President/CEO Don Coleman, who is retiring at the end of this year after 39 years with the company.

Colburn currently sits on Hickory Springs' Board of Directors and was one of two new members with experience outside the furniture industry appointed to the board in 2009. He comes from an extensive automotive, industrial, technology, operations and manufacturing background and has been president of six different companies, including Electronic Data Systems of Plano, Texas (Global Manufacturing Industry Group); Del-Met Corporation of Nashville, Tenn.; MTD Automotive of Cleveland, Ohio; AP Parts International Inc.'s North American Aftermarket Division of Goldsboro, N.C.; and Repcoparts Corporation of Cerritos, Calif.

He has also presided on a number of company boards including MTD Corp, Bob Barker, Inc., and Evatran LLC, as well as the Board of Hickory Springs Manufacturing, Hickory, N.C. He has served as chairman of the Automotive Service Industry Association as well as the Automotive Sales Council in addition to serving on the Board of Roberts Wesleyan College. He also serves on the Board of ACG Raleigh (Association for Corporate Growth). Colburn is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College and has also earned continuing education credentials from the University of Michigan, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Illinois, and Bowling Green University.

"David's proven ability to lead will be a huge advantage in the day-to-day operation and long-term success of Hickory Springs," said Tom Pierce, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hickory Springs. "His business record in growth areas such as management, strategic planning and global manufacturing is outstanding and we look forward to seeing how the company will continue to grow and diversify under his direction."

Colburn was elected president and CEO after the board formed a new search committee and investigated a number of candidates.

"Over his past two years on the board, David's contributions to Hickory Springs have exceeded our expectations," said outgoing President and CEO Coleman. "He brings outstanding traits and experiences to the office of president/CEO, including a great passion for the long-term success of Hickory Springs, a clear vision for how the company can grow in the future, strong organizational abilities, and exceptional communication skills. I feel confident that upon my retirement that I am leaving Hickory Springs and its employees in very capable hands."

"It is an honor and a pleasure to accept the office of president/CEO of Hickory Springs," Colburn said. "Hickory Springs has a long tradition of innovation and diversification, especially under Don Coleman€™s guidance and leadership. I look forward to building on the outstanding legacy of excellence that Hickory Springs, its employees and Don Coleman have forged together over the decades."