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Easter New Kittle's CEO; Durkott Vice Chairman
January 11,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 12, 2010
Indianapolis-based Kittle's Furniture has promoted John Durkott from chief executive officer to vice chairman of the board. Eric Easter, previously president and chief operating officer, has been promoted to CEO.
"We have experienced incredible growth since repositioning and re-merchandising our Kittles Stores last summer, so the timing is perfect to make this transition now at the beginning of 2010," Jim Kittle Jr., owner and chairman of Kittles board. While his title will remain the same, Kittle will be less involved in day-to-day operations, focusing on real estate, vendor relationships and general oversight.
Durkott, who has more than 36 years' service at Kittle's, will provide the benefit of his experience to new CEO Easter, provide financial oversight, serve on Kittles board of directors and executive committee, and continue to represent the company in the community.
Easter, who rejoined Kittle's in June of 2009, had more than 10 year's experience with Kittle's when he left in 2003 to join Thomasville Furniture Inc. as executive vice president. With more than 30 years experience in the furniture industry, Easter assumes full responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the company.
"I am so fortunate to have the counsel of both Jim and John as the Kittle's team works together to continue the phenomenal growth we have been experiencing, Easter said.
"We are very fortunate to be in position to make this transition, which will only strengthen our operations and position Kittles Furniture for continuing growth and a profitable future," Kittle said.
Kittle's Furniture is a top 100 Furniture Retailer in the United States, operating 14 stores in Indiana and Ohio.