Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Pride Family Brands Promotes Stephens to President
March 28,
2018 by Jane Chero in Executive Changes, Industry 
Upper-end casual furniture producer, Castelle, has promoted Mark Stephens to president of Ft. Lauderdale-based Pride Family Brands. Prior to this promotion, Stephens served as executive vice president of sales.
He replaces Derek Ritzel who has left the company to pursue personal interests.
Appointed by private equity firm New Water Capital, the owner of Pride Family Brands, Stephens will be responsible for the successful execution of the company’s long-term growth plan.
“Mark is an exceptional leader and a consummate professional with not only immense knowledge from his years of working in the home category; but also, valuable insight from his previously held position within Castelle,” said John Disa, chairman, Pride Family Brands and partner, New Water Capital.
“He has proven to be a strategic thinker and respected leader and will be invaluable to the organization as we build upon previous success and look to advance our growth agenda,” Disa continued.
Stephens joined Castelle/Pride Family Brands in 2017 as executive vp of sales following his tenure as senior vp of sales for Heritage Home Group. Prior to Heritage Home Group, he served as president of Broyhill Furntiture.
"At Pride Family Brands, we have a dedicated group of professionals and artisans that are passionate about creating the highest value across each of our brands” said Stephens.
“In my new role, I envision a company that will be recognized as an industry leader not only in terms of design and quality, but in service as well. I look to create an environment in which each team can excel by understanding and providing solutions to the needs of our customers. I look forward to being a part of these efforts and am truly honored to have this opportunity,” Stephens said.