Richard Magnussen, Essenberg Take New Roles to Lead Magnussen

April 5, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on April 2007 Case goods and occasional importer Magnussen Home Furnishings has returned leadership of the company to Chairman Richard Magnussen, who now also serves as chief executive officer and president. In addition Don Essenberg has been promoted to executive vice president and chief marketing officer. He had served as Magnussen’s senior vice president of sales.

The moves are part of a management consolidation after Jeff Cook resigned his position as Magnussen’s president and CEO to take the presidency of Furniture Brands International’s Broyhill division.

“Over the past seven years, we have assembled a team that has enabled Magnussen Home to meet and exceed our goals. Stepping back into management of the company on a daily basis is something that I’m comfortable doing and I’m enjoying it greatly,” Magnussen said. “I’m confident in our management team, where we are and where we’re going, particularly with Don in this new position as our chief marketing officer. He has proven himself with our company and his track record speaks for itself.”

In addition to driving the strategic direction of the company, Magnussen says he personally will focus on further streamlining the company’s infrastructure, based on the principles of trust, honesty and respect.

“My efforts will be to strengthen the back end of our business and what we are known for--fast, on-time deliveries and quality that live up to what we promise,” he said. “We will continue to place a priority on building value into our product line.”

Essenberg’s responsibilities will include overseeing the entire marketing process, including brand development, merchandising and sales.

“It is very exciting to be a part of the Magnussen Home marketing team,” Essenberg says. “This will be the first time in our 76-year history that our sales, merchandising, and marketing efforts have been fully integrated. We believe that this new focus will enable us to better serve our retail partners and provide the consumer with new, exciting and affordable home fashions.”

Essenberg, in his family’s third generation to work in the furniture business, joined Magnussen Home in June 2005, with previous experience including positions as vice president of sales and vice president of case goods merchandising for Broyhill Furniture Inds.; vice president of sales for Berkline; and national sales and marketing manager over the case goods division and gallery programs for Bernhardt Furniture Co.

“With all of the sales and marketing functions under Don’s direction, we will be better able to move forward with our strategic plans,” Magnussen said. “Don has a passion for success and is a consummate professional who exemplifies what Magnussen Home is all about, among our staff, our customers, our vendors and the industry.”