Benson Set to Take Reins at Natuzzi Americas

November 28, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Merchandising on November 2007 Cary Benson has been named president of Natuzzi Americas, succeeding Fred Starr who will retire from the company Jan. 31.

Benson will join the company Jan. 10.

Prior to joining the company, Benson most recently was presdient and chief marketing officer for Dallas-based American Leather overseeing sales, marketing and merchandising. As an equity partner of the company, he left it in 2006 when there was a buyout. Before joining American Leather in 1997, Benson was president and chief executive officer of Elmo American Leather. Before his time with Elmo, he held a number of sales and marketing positions with Steelcase.

“We’re very pleased that Cary will join Natuzzi Americas in this integral position,” said Pasquale Natuzzi, chief executive and chairman of Natuzzi SpA. “As we continue to build the Natuzzi brand and implement our strategic plan in the Americas, Cary is especially well-suited to lead Natuzzi Americas in achieving our long term goals. Additionally, he brings unique knowledge and experience in leather upholstery at the higher-end of the market.”

Starr has held the position for the last six years and joined Natuzzi Americas after a lengthy career with Thomasville Furniture Inds.

“Fred has led Natuzzi Americas through its most challenging period,” Natuzzi said. “As we’ve faced significant currency changes, intense competition in leather upholstery and the movement of production to Brazil and China, he has provided the necessary direction and guidance to our organization and has maintained excellent relationships with our valued retailers. With our brand segmentation strategy established, he provides Cary with a solid foundation for future growth. The Natuzzi organization joins me in thanking Fred for his important contributions and welcoming Cary to the Natuzzi family.”