Joseph Mussallem Named President at Natuzzi Americas

April 12, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on April 13, 2010

Italian leather upholstery vendor Natuzzi SpA has named Joseph Mussallem president of Natuzzi Americas' North American Team. He replaces Cary Benson who left the company in December.

Most recently, Mussallem was senior vice president of sales, responsible for national accounts, Natuzzi Editions and Italsofa brands.
 
"Joe has led the sales charge and has a proven track record of success," said Cosimo Cavallo, chief commercial officer, Natuzzi SpA. "He will lead Natuzzi North America out of what has been a very challenging economic period and will continue to provide the necessary direction and guidance for the growth of our organization."
 
Mussallem will focus his efforts in 2010 on new organizational initiatives which include dedicated teams for each of three brands under the Natuzzi Group brand umbrella, a focus on logistics and product delivery, and branding opportunities with the company's retail partners. He reports to Cavallo.
 
Brad Cates, who joined the company in February as vice president of the Natuzzi Italy brand, is now senior vice president, Natuzzi Italy Team, in charge of both sales and marketing. He reports to Mussallem.
 
Mussallem€™s remaining direct reports include three vice presidents, sales and marketing, for the East, Southwest, and North regions: Peter Halunen, Matthew Hayward, and Craig Ruse, respectively; Amy Mock, assistant brand manager, and Luigi Nocci, key customer account executive, both on the Natuzzi Editions and Italsofa Team; and Shannon McKaughn, sales administrator, North American Team.