Klaussner Taps Terry McNew as CEO

November 8, 2019  by Laurie Northington in Executive Changes, Industry   

McNew brings nearly 40 years of operations, manufacturing and sales experience to Klaussner as part of an overall management strategy to ensure the company’s continued growth and innovation.

McNew succeeds Bill Wittenberg who will transition from the CEO role to a strategic advisory role on the board of directors. Wittenberg has served as Klaussner’s CEO since 2010 and spearheaded a management buyout of the company in 2011. Since that time, he has been a driving force behind the company’s growth which positioned Klaussner for a sale to private equity group Monomoy Capital Partners in 2017. During his time at Klaussner, Wittenberg oversaw significant expansion of product lines, including the launch of Enso Sleep Systems, Klaussner Outdoor and the overall growth of the company’s case goods segment such as lines with artist William Mangum and award-winning country music star Tricia Yearwood.

Prior to joining Klaussner, McNew was president and CEO of MasterCraft Boat Company since August 2012. He previously held executive roles at Brunswick, Correct Craft and Sea Ray. McNew received his BSBA in economics from the University of Central Florida's College of Business Administration and is certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt from the University of Tennessee.

“Klaussner is not an organization that is fearful of change and we embrace opportunities to learn from fresh ideas and perspective,” said Wittenberg. “Terry is a dynamic and innovative leader who deeply understands the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, supply chain logistics and sales cycles that are critical to Klaussner’s long-term success.”

“I am honored to join Klaussner and help continue the company’s legacy of innovation and success,” said McNew. “Bill’s knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset as I bring my extensive experience in the development, manufacturing and sales from the marine industry to the home furnishings industry, and I look forward to working with him and the entire organization.”

Early this year, Wittenberg received The Pillar of the Industry Award by the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA). In 2018, Wittenberg chaired the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA), and has also been honored with the American Heritage Award in Manufacturing by the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) National Home Furnishings Division and the Spirit of Life Award by the City of Hope, a world leader in cancer and diabetes research and treatment.