Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Kim Yost Announces Retirement from Art Van
February 23,
2018 by Larry Thomas in Executive Changes, Industry 
Kim Yost, president and CEO of Art Van Furniture since 2009, announced he would retire from the Michigan-based retailer once a successor is named.
"I am very proud of what the company and its associates have achieved during our time together over the past nine years – growing from $350 million to over $1.3 billion in sales, from 35 stores to over 180 across 9 states, and from 1,500 associates to over 5,700," said Yost.
His retirement announcement comes a year after the retailer was sold to the private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners, and less than a month after the death of founder Art Van Elslander at age 87.
"The future is very bright for Art Van, and a multi-year strategic plan that will ensure the continued growth and success of the Art Van, Levin and Wolf Furniture brands has been laid out. I am confident that the company's next chapter will be a great one and I look forward to supporting a smooth leadership transition,” Yost added.
The company said it has begun a search for new president CEO, and said Yost would remain in his current role until his replacement has been hired.
"Additionally, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the late Mr. Art Van Elslander, the Van Elslander family and my many associates for the opportunity to have led the company and be part of the Art Van story for the past nine years," said Yost.
Added Jeff Swenson, managing director of Thomas H. Lee Partners, "We thank Kim for the leadership and guidance he has provided to the company. He has been an incredible partner to us through this year of transition, and we believe that Art Van continues to be uniquely positioned to capitalize on future growth opportunities."