Tom Lias Named CEO of Gorman’s

January 4, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Executive Changes, Industry   

Lias, who has been Gorman’s president since 1996, will oversee merchandising, marketing and sales.

Former CEO Bernard “Bernie” Moray, who purchased the company in 1965, will continue in his role as chairman.

“I am honored to be named CEO of Gorman’s Home Furnishings & Interior Design. Having been with this business for more than 32 years, this new role only further cements my commitment and passion for the company and its staff, customers and partners,” said Lias. “I look forward to continuing Gorman’s success into the future, along with my partners Jeff Roberts, John Moray and our senior partner and chairman of the board, Bernie Moray.”

During his tenure, Lias helped evolved the company into a 100-brand retailer who exclusively carries a number of top lines such as Stickley and Lexington.

Lias began his career in the furniture industry more than four decades ago following his graduation from the School of Design at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Having an extensive retail background, he worked as an architectural artist, designer of retail stores, studio designer, retail trainer, general manager and vice president for a number of Michigan Ethan Allen locations, as well as marketing manager for the company in Michigan and Ohio.

Immediately prior to joining Gorman’s in 1983, the Troy, Mich., resident was the co-owner and president of eight La-Z-Boy stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

“It is my great pleasure to pass the baton to my longtime business partner and friend Tom Lias,” said Moray. “He has a keen sense of style and a passion for this industry, which I know will keep Gorman’s a leader in the furniture space both locally and nationally.”

Gorman’s operates five showrooms in metropolitan Detroit and Grand Rapids, Mich., as well as a Three-Day Clearance Center at its warehouse in Farmington Hills, Mich.