Art Raymond Joins Hooker as SVP

January 27, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on January 28, 2010

Veteran furniture and wood products industry consultant Art Raymond has joined Hooker Furniture (NASDAQ-GS: HOFT) as senior vice president of operations.

As of this Monday, Raymond will be responsible for all wood furniture corporate operations, including forecasting, supply chain management, warehousing and distribution, product quality, process improvement and customer service.

"We are extremely pleased to have Art join our company," said Paul Toms, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Hooker Furniture, Martinsville, Va. "We've worked closely with him over the last 20 years on projects ranging from manufacturing to distribution to forecasting and strategic planning. We believe he's a perfect fit for our company and culture. He's a great strategic thinker, and should hit the ground running."

Raymond brings extensive international experience in the home as well as contract furniture sectors plus cabinetry, millwork, and other value-added wood products. A graduate of North Carolina State University in wood technology, he serves as an adjunct professor for NCSU's wood products program, and is a regular speaker for industry associations such as the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Assn. and at events such as the International Woodworking Fair.

Toms said one of Raymond€™s key roles will be in mentoring, as he "takes a strong group of managers and develops and prepares them for additional responsibilities."

"In this position, I will get a chance to practice what I've preached as a consultant and to implement the solutions the Hooker team develops," Raymond said. "Hooker Furniture, with its experienced management team and financial strength, is poised to gain market share as the economy recovers. To do so, we must continue differentiating our products, services, and brands."