Daily News

From Home Furnishing Business

AICO Promotes 3

October 20, 2014  by in Executive Changes, Industry   

Chuck Reilly has been promoted to executive vice president from senior vice president of sales and marketing. He joined AICO five years ago as vice president of sales. Prior to joining AICO, he was a buyer for JC Penney, and was with the Lane Co. and Lane Venture for 26 years. In his new position, Reilly will continue his senior supervision of sales and marketing, but will add key corporate initiatives like strategic planning, account growth analysis, and expansion of global distribution for all divisions of AICO.

“Chuck Reilly has been a great partner to work with," said AICO President Martin Ploy. "He is retail centered and has brought great analytics to the sales process without ever losing sight of the ultimate goal: dealer satisfaction and growth. With our current momentum, now is the time to move ahead with strategic planning and focused initiatives that can help propel the dynamics of the company’s expansion.”

Jacqueline Moss, who heads the Michael Amini Distinctive Bedding division of AICO, moves from director of home accents to vice president of soft line merchandising. She joined AICO in 2007 and previously held key merchandising positions at both Stroud’s Linen’s and Guildcraft. With the success and growth of top-of-bed, the next areas of expansion will be in decorative pillows, duvets, window coverings and more. Recent successes at both the Atlanta and the New York Home Fashions markets have created a greater demand for new designs, styles and product.

“Jackie has made a significant impact on the appearance of our top-of-bed with fashion forward looks that give notice to the exceptional value of the products," Ploy said. "Her style savvy and keen eye for fashion and quality, coupled with her ability to create original designs that make style statements has proven to be hugely successful.”

To help with product demand for major retailers, AICO has hired Tannia Herroz to work with Moss as manager of soft line merchandising. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising, Herroz also has seven years of experience working in home textiles and merchandising.

Another key move is the promotion of Bonnie Chung to director of international purchasing. Chung has been with AICO for more than 10 years and held the position of international purchasing manager.

“With the global expansion of the company and the addition of new suppliers, her role is even more critical to inventory flow and product availability,” said Jeff Santanello, vice president of international purchasing.

“We are so fortunate to have such dedicated and talented people on our team," said CEO Michael Amini. "It gives me great pleasure to see Chuck, Jackie and Bonnie receive these well-deserved promotions. They have each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the growth of the company and have always placed the success of AICO ahead of themselves. I have great appreciation and admiration for all of them.”