Allegrezza Named Executive Director of IHFRA

June 26, 2018  by Jason Schneider in Business Strategy, Executive Changes, Industry   

He replaces Kathy Parks, who held that title since 2005 and recently retired.

“We are thrilled to have Ray, who brings more than three decades of editorial, publishing, and marketing experience, into IHFRA,” said Al David, IHFRA president and Ashley Furniture representative. “He joins us at a great time when the industry and IHFRA are each poised for growth and we are confident that Ray will help us maximize those opportunities.”

Allegrezza, who spent the bulk of his professional life in publishing—most recently as the editor in chief of Furniture/Today—said, “I am honored and flattered by the opportunity to work with IHFRA. Having spent more than 30 years in the home furnishings sector, I know how important the role of the furniture rep is. My goal will be to continue all the good work done by Kathy Parks and with the help of the IHFRA board, take this group to an even higher level of excellence.”

According to Allegrezza, IHFRA, which was established in 1934 with the goal of focusing on the needs and interests of sales reps in the furniture industry, currently has more than 2,300 members in the U.S. and Canada.

“The rep truly is the critical link between the supplier and the retailer, and part of my vision is to find ways to help the rep to provide even more value to his or her customers and to the industry,” Allegrezza said.

Allegrezza will work out of IHFRA’s High Point office at 209 S. Main Street, Space M-001 LL and can be reached at (336) 255-5905.