Palliser Hires Jeff Katz; Adds to Canadian Sales Team

November 28, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Executive Changes, Industry   

In his new post, Katz reports to President and CEO Cary Benson and will oversee the company’s stationary upholstery effort.

Most recently, Katz was vice president of upholstery at Magnussen. Earlier, he held a manufacturing post at Broyhill, and was a buyer for now-defunct retailers Levitz and Homelife.

“Jeff’s extensive experience both as a retailer and in manufacturing brings a unique perspective to the Palliser brand.  I have great confidence in his ability to create product that delivers on the Palliser promises of quality and value,” said Benson.

Separately, Palliser announced that it has filled two key roles in its Canadian sales division with the hiring of Brooke Barber as national accounts manager for Canada, and Demetre Daratzikis as sales manager for Canada.

Barber joins Palliser from Natuzzi Americas, where she served as national accounts manager. She also has held key roles in sales with Lexington, Drexel Heritage and La-Z-Boy.

Daratzikis joins the company from Sealy, where he began his career in 1992 and most recently was vice president of sales, national accounts.

“With Palliser evolving to a supplier for leather and fabric upholstery and case goods, it was imperative that we assemble a sales leadership team with extensive experience, said Mark Wiltshire, vice president of sales. “Brooke and Demetre bring to us a wealth of experience and healthy retail relationships that have been developed over the course of their careers. We are incredibly excited about the leadership that these two talented professionals will bring to the Palliser brand.”

In addition to Palliser upholstery, the company’s brands include Casana, Encore, Pinnacle, North American Furniture and EQ3.