Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Bob Price Named CEO of Star Furniture
July 7,
2017 by Larry Thomas in Executive Changes, Industry 
Bob Price, who has spent more than four decades in key leadership posts in home furnishings retailing, has been named CEO of Houston-based Star Furniture.
Price, most recently senior vice president of merchandising and inventory management at Art Van Furniture, will assume his new position on Monday.
“Bob is the right person to lead Star into its second century. While we conducted a nationwide search to fill this important position, it became clear that Bob met every criterion for this position,” said Irv Blumkin, Star’s chairman of the board. “His vision, energy and expertise in transforming retail experiences is well-known. Most importantly, he embodies Star’s long-held values and will be a great fit for the organization.”
Blumkin said the search team was especially impressed with Price’s strong experience in buying, inventory management, sales promotion, visual presentation, and new store planning. He described Price as an effective leader, problem-solver, team builder and mentor.
“Bob will bring great and positive energy as well as strong retail savvy and vision. Star is poised for great things ahead,” said Blumkin.
The CEO slot has been vacant since Bill Kimbrell resigned from the 11-store retailer in April.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the more than 750 professional men and women of Star Furniture,” Price said. “This is an amazing opportunity to be part of a Berkshire Hathaway Company that has such great potential to position itself for the future. There are few organizations in the country that share Star’s longevity, unique culture and rich past. I am genuinely excited with the privilege to take Star into the future.”
Price had been with Art Van for 10 years. Prior to that, he spent more than 30 years in a variety of leadership capacities at JC Penney, including a stint as vice president and divisional merchandise manager for furniture.
The company said the remainder of the retailer’s senior management team will remain in place, including Bill Ward, president; Gary Gibson, chief financial officer; and Alan Kramer, executive vice president of merchandising. Combined, the three have more than 100 years at Star.
Blumkin, who also is CEO of Nebraska Furniture Mart, joined Star’s board of directors in April and became chairman following the death of Melvyn Wolff in May. Star and Nebraska Furniture Mart are both owned by Berkshire Hathaway.