Art Van Names CEO

September 28, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on September 2008 Art Van Furniture, which operates 30 stores across Michigan, has named retailing veteran Marshall Whaling CEO. Art Van Elslander, the Warren, Mich.-based chain’s founder, is relinquishing CEO duties to Whaling, who gained experience in furniture before working for the Best Buy and Circuit City chains.

“The retail landscape has changed dramatically in the last 10 years as consumer habits and economic conditions have altered,” said Van Elslander. “Introducing Marshall to our team allows us to draw from his extensive experience in creating sound operational practices that promote and foster customer satisfaction. He is a great addition that will further strengthen our solid management team.”

Most recently, Whaling was senior vice president, retail operation at Circuit City, Richmond, Va., where he developed new store and field operations as part of the company’s turnaround initiative. Previously, he spent nine years with Minneapolis-based Best Buy, running operations for 700 stores and supporting the opening of 200 stores. Earlier in his career, Whaling spent 20 years with American of Madison, a 15-store regional retailer of furniture, appliances and consumer electronics in Wisconsin.

Other recent changes to Art Van’s leadership team include the promotion of Director of Operations and Logistics Dan Baran to vice president of information systems, logistics and operations. Also, Director of Customer Relationship Marketing Robert Cudd was promoted to vice president of marketing and e-commerce. Baran and Cudd report to company President Gary Van Elslander.