From newly created positions to executive promotions, things are heating up in time for summer. Read on for BOH’s monthly roundup of arrivals and departures in design, manufacturing, media and more.

Retail & Manufacturing
Gabriella White, the Alabama-based furniture and accessories manufacturer that includes the brands Summer Classics, Gabby and Wendy Jane, announced two new executive hires. Kirsten Darrow has been appointed the chief marketing officer, bringing along her years of experience as vice president of marketing, merchandising and e-commerce at Fred Meyer Jewelers. Also joining the company is Jim Hardy in the newly created role of chief retail officer. He has served on the board of directors since 2020, and his resume boasts executive roles at home industry brands including Brown Jordan, One Kings Lane and Maker&Son, as well as 25 years of retail experience at Ralph Lauren.

Rick Lovegrove announced he is stepping away from his role as president of upholstery at Austin-based trade giant Four Hands. Lovegrove joined the company in 2014 as vice president of product services and upholstery before moving into his most recent role two years ago.

Georgia-based retailer Accent Decor welcomes two new executives to the leadership team. Jim Quinn joins as chief operating officer after holding the same position at B2B furniture manufacturer Made and Modern Hard Goods. Meanwhile, Catherine Boggs is the new vice president of marketing; she was previously the senior director of e-commerce and marketing at cabinet-front maker Semihandmade.

Ultrafabrics, the sustainable performance textile manufacturer, announced that Kimberly Peoples has joined the team as sales director for the residential market. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Peoples most recently spent more than seven years as a manager at Sunbrella, overseeing catalogs and specialty accounts.

Universal Furniture has promoted Janine Wagers from director to vice president of visual merchandising. Wagers started her career with the company as a showroom designer in 1989.

Soake Pools, the New England–based plunge pool manufacturer, has hired two new staff members. Shane Baker will join the company as technical services specialist with a background in project management and customer service, while Jarrett Brathwaite has been hired as Southwestern territory manager and brings experience in sales management.

To the Trade
Schumacher announced the appointment of Astrid Elineau as artistic director of its Paris design studio. Elineau recently served as the head of print and textile design for fashion brand Hermès. In this newly created position, she will lead the atelier’s creative team and oversee design and product strategy.

The Dallas Market Center has promoted Amy Harper to senior vice president of retail development and market services. Harper joined the company in 2001 and served as director and then vice president of retail development for apparel and accessories.

Design & Architecture
The Brooklyn Studio, an architecture and interior design firm that specializes in rehabilitating 19th and 20th century row houses, welcomes Kimberly Neuhaus as a partner. Neuhaus founded her eponymous local architectural firm in 1998. She joins existing partners Brendan Coburn, Jason Boutin and Jesse Fearins.

Studio Gohard, the newly launched Brooklyn-based interior design brand from French finishings company Ateliers Gohard, has appointed Axel Huynh as creative director. The French designer is known for projects including Hôtel Mona Bismarck, La Galerie Bourbon and, most recently, Hilary Swank’s home on Paris’s left bank.

Media & PR
Media relations firm JBC has promoted Charlotte Hohorst from associate vice president to vice president of design, and she will continue to oversee and grow the agency’s roster of brands. Hohorst joined the firm in 2018 as senior PR manager.

Communications agency Sharp Think welcomed back Frankie Wortmann as an account director for its A&D–focused PR team. Wortmann interned at the agency before joining the team full-time from 2017 through 2021. She recently moved to communications firm M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment North America, where she served as account supervisor and senior account supervisor.

Industry Organizations
The National Kitchen & Bath Association announced changes in its executive leadership. Heather Shannon has been promoted to senior vice president of strategic growth after joining the organization as senior director of marketing in January. Meanwhile, NKBA’s chief global relations officer, Suzie Williford, has left the association after 12 years.