Norwalk Promotes Two

August 2, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on August 2007 Norwalk Furniture Corp. has promoted two long-time employees to head its global sourcing operation and to oversee the company’s operations.

Bev Leibold has been named director of global sourcing for Norwalk, and Jeff Gross has been named executive director of operations.

Prior to her promotion, Leibold held a number of positions such as purchasing agent and fabric and leather inventory manager for the company. She has been with the company for nine years. Gross, who has worked with Norwalk for 18 years, had held a variety of positions, including upholstery team leader, cutting team leader, J. Raymond team leader and director of product development.

“Bev brings 30-plus years of experience to her new position, and Jeff, 18,” said Rick McKirahan, Norwalk president.

Prior to joining the Norwalk team, Leibold spent 21 years in purchasing and procurement at Fannie Farmer’s candy company. “Bev has done an outstanding job managing our procurement process and inventories, and, has ensured, time and again, that we have the highest quality fabrics and leathers available for our customers,” McKirahan said.

Gross will oversee operations, including manufacturing, product development and engineering, as well as the warehouse and other facilities. His primary focus, however, is operations enhancements, process improvement and synchronization between development and manufacturing.

“Jeff has an extensive background in upholstery, sewing, cutting, process improvement, new product development and design, as well as new brand introductions, particularly associated with our celebrity designers,” McKirahan said. “We’re confident that his broad experience, dedication to progress, leadership and commitment will enable him to provide significant contributions in his new role.”