Art Van Furniture Promotes Diane Charles to VP

March 20, 2015  by in Executive Changes, Industry   

Charles has been director of corporate communications for the retailer since 2009. She is responsible for elevating the retailer’s brand awareness and reputation through media relations, community partnerships, internal and external communications and event marketing.

As part of Art Van’s senior executive team, Charles reports directly to Kim Yost, CEO.

"Diane's genuine passion, strategic vision and extensive media expertise has been instrumental in forging strong connections in exciting, experiential ways between Art Van Furniture and our guests, the communities we serve and the media throughout the Midwest," said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of the retailer. "She is an outstanding talent, and hugely deserving of this recognition and promotion."

Over the past six years, Charles has spearheaded the company's community relations initiatives such as Art Van Furniture's presenting sponsorship of America's Thanksgiving Parade, Art Van Santa Parade in Grand Rapids, and Art Van Sports Complex. She created an in-house television broadcasting network called AV/TV, producing produces monthly telecasts. Charles and her team won a Telly Award for the Art Van Charity Challenge.

Charles also expanded the Midwest's No. 1 furniture and mattress retailer's event marketing initiatives in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio with programs that engage guests and drive sales such as Ladies Night Out and Art Van Wonderland parties, supermodel and sofa selfie contests, catalog launch celebrations, and in-store events with Motown artists, HGTV stars, and celebrities including Cindy Crawford, Nigel Barker and Zendaya.

Prior to joining Art Van Furniture, Charles spent more than 25 years in television broadcasting.