Ritzel Named CEO of Pride Family Brands

February 1, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Executive Changes, Industry   

The company said the change in leadership is the culmination of a long-term transition plan put into place when private equity firm New Water Capital acquired family-owned Pride Family Brands in July 2015.

“The Lowsky family started this company in 1978 with just the family, working seven days per week,” said Steve Lowsky. “In 2015, with the change in ownership, my role has been to help transition the company from a family business to a portfolio company of New Water Capital. I have spent the last 20 months with this goal in mind.”

Ritzel most recently served as president and chief operating officer of Tempur Sealy Canada, where he was instrumental in integrating the Tempur-Pedic and Sealy Canadian operations while driving significant profitable growth.

Ritzel began his career at Sealy in 1992, and advanced steadily through a wide range of sales, marketing, and operations executive positions, finally serving as east region division vice president from 2011 to 2013.

“With more than 20 years of experience at all levels of the furniture industry, Derek is a phenomenal choice to lead Pride Family Brands,” said Pride Family Brands Chairman John Disa. “He is a dynamic and innovative leader with demonstrated expertise in the areas of team-building, business development and leveraging new technologies.”

“I am greatly honored at the opportunity to be part of this highly regarded and industry-leading company,” Ritzel said. “The company’s heritage is one of innovation and expansion, and I look forward to continuing and building upon its success.”

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Pride designs, manufactures and distributes hand-forged, high-end aluminum outdoor furniture under the Castelle brand, and designs and supplies promotional steel and high-quality aluminum outdoor furniture under the SummerWinds and several private label brands.