IM Centers Promotes Watson to VP of Design

April 9, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on April 10, 2012

International Market Centers has promoted Paul Watson to vice president of design.

Watson succeeds Randy Wells, who has joined Stanley Furniture.

In his new position, Watson oversees the management and leasing for Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, a 40-plus showroom venue that is open to both the public and the trade. Watson also is charged with growing IMC's venues in High Point with design-centric and upper-end manufacturers.

"Watson has been instrumental in the growth of the Las Vegas Design Center for four years and assumes oversight at an opportune time," said IMC CEO Bob Maricich. "In 2011, LVDC signed leases with 11 new showrooms. Today, Las Vegas Design Center has achieved the highest occupancy levels in its history and has successfully repositioned itself as a regional design hub for both the A&D community as well as consumers. This is an exciting and synergistic time for the global design industry and our customers now have the benefit of cooperating venues on both coasts in order to maximize distribution channels."

Watson, who joined World Market Center Las Vegas in 2008 as director of leasing, has more than 25 years' experience in the industry. He held executive leasing positions with a number of leading wholesale merchandise marts and design centers, including Pacific Design Center, Miromar Design Center and L.A.Mart. Recognizing the value of community partnership, Watson helped to create the "Decorative Arts District" in downtown Los Angeles in cooperation with the offices of the city and the mayor. Watson has been recognized and published in Metropolitan Home, Classic American Home, Palm Springs Life and Los Angeles Times. He has been featured on HGTV, Style Network, and Beverly Hills 90210/Greystone Mansion Design Showcase.

"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen IMC's design communities on both coasts," Watson said. "LVDC is beginning to resonate with consumers who have discovered the value and benefits of shopping at the region's largest and premier furnishings and design resource. In High Point, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to develop our design-centric business. My goal is to bring the most compelling collection of upper end furniture and decorative resources to IMC buildings."

Watson reports to Tom Mitchell, president of IMC€™s Home Furnishings Division.

"Paul joins a seasoned team of professionals in both cities who are experts in their respective areas," Mitchell said.