Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Massoud Names Fischer VP of Merchandising
January 29,
2016 by in Executive Changes, Industry 
Upholstery supplier Massoud has named Tonya Fischer to the newly created position of vice president of merchandising.
In her new post, Fischer oversees and directs the company’s merchandising. She reports to Chuck Massoud, CEO.
The position incorporates the duties of the company’s creative director, a position that had been held by Ronna Griest. Griest has left the company.
As part of her responsibilities, Fischer guides the overall creative direction of the line, including fabric selection and procurement, frame development and design.
With more than 25 years of marketing, merchandising, buying and product development experience in the furniture industry, Fischer comes to Massoud from her consulting firm, Tonya Fischer Designs, where she worked with a number of clients, including Caracole, Charleston Forge and Swaim. Prior to starting her own company, Fischer served as image and branding director for Lee Inds. Other positions she has held throughout her career include upholstery buyer for Boyles Furniture, product development director for Expressions Custom Furnishings and product development and upholstery manager for Hickory Chair Furniture Co.
"Tonya is the perfect person to help guide our company as we enter our next phase of growth and development," Massoud said. " Her hands-on experience in every aspect of the upholstery business - from product development and branding to retail buying and merchandising - give her a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities our dealer and designer clients face. She's a results-oriented leader who brings the perfect mix of creative ingenuity and strategic thinking to our company."
Fischer will work closely with Massoud executive team members, including Massoud and Kelley Massoud, vice president of marketing.
This year, the company will introduce sales and marketing tools, including a custom built software system that seamlessly integrates the back-end manufacturing process with the front end consumer website. The company will continue to build in-store merchandising strategies and programs for its dealer and designer base.