La-Z-Boy Names Real Estate VP

January 19, 2016  by in Executive Changes, Industry   

He reports to Mark Bacon, senior vice president and president of La-Z-Boy Branded business, and is responsible for real estate development initiatives for the La‑Z‑Boy Furniture Galleries network, including corporate-operated locations, across North America.

"We are thrilled to have an individual of Jim's caliber on our team as we expand the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries store network,” Bacon said.  “Jim has spent his entire career in the real estate profession, working in all aspects of the field, and brings to La-Z-Boy a wealth of experience. With the 4-4-5 store build out program a core strategy to drive growth and profitability, Jim's unparalleled expertise in the real estate industry will be paramount to its ongoing success and our focus on retail excellence. I look forward to working with him."

Prior to joining La-Z-Boy, Chickini was vice president of real estate leasing and development for Giant Eagle. While there, he was responsible for all aspects of real estate related to the company's retail formats. He was also responsible for the real estate accounting and lease administration departments managing 420 retail supermarket and fuel locations, nine warehouses and six office buildings and manufacturing operations. 

Prior to Giant Eagle, he was the senior real estate director for Sonic Corp. and, before that, was a real estate consultant for NewPointe Realty.  Earlier in his career, he worked in real estate positions for McDonald's Corp. and 84 Lumber Co. 

"I am excited to join La-Z-Boy at this critical juncture in the company's history,” Chickini said.  “Not only are we expanding our retail footprint to more fully canvas the North American marketplace, but we are capitalizing on our iconic brand status and executing multiple growth strategies. Indeed, it is an exciting time at La-Z-Boy and I look forward to participating in its evolution and making a contribution to the company as it moves forward."