We can hardly believe it's May already, and yet—here we are. With a new month comes a new start for many industry professionals. Read on to learn about the latest hires in design, manufacturing, media and more.
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Anderson Somerselle is the new textiles coordinator at New York–based design firm John Rosselli Associates, managing day-to-day operations and advising on future collections. He was previously the purchasing coordinator at British textiles brand Holland & Sherry. “It is a top priority for my department to ensure that we are always bringing something exciting and fresh to the industry,” Somerselle tells Business of Home. “We are so excited to see the room for growth and opportunity.”
Daniel Germani was named creative director of Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens and Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens. In his three years with Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, Germani established partnerships with Cosentino and other brands. In his new role, he will oversee the outdoor living report and other leadership initiatives.
Sandow appointed Edward Hogikyan as vice president and executive director of NYCxDesign. At present, Hogikyan is chief marketing officer of the New York City Economic Development Corporation; he oversees NYCxDesign now and, it seems, will continue to even as Sandow takes over for future operations. He will begin the new role on July 1.
Dallas-based hospitality interiors firm MatchLine Design Group hired Christina Snell as a designer.
Architecture and design firm Perkins+Will added Chi Lee to its Austin, Texas, studio as corporate, commercial and civic practice leader. Lee is the latest addition since the firm acquired Lauckgroup, another interior design firm in the area.
International firm HLW hired Helen Bentley to work as design strategist in the London office. She will help with enhancing the end-user experience for HLW’s design process, focusing on message development and the change management process.
Saddle Brook, New Jersey–based floor covering brand Nourison appointed Sue Hepler as hospitality sales manager in its Southwest business segment. She will be based in Dallas, developing business with hospitality procurement firms.
Interior architectural design firm Wilson Associates has hired Kathleen Lynch as operations director, based in its Dallas studio. She will manage teams on hospitality projects across the Southwest.
MANUFACTURING & RETAIL
Robert Allen Duralee was purchased out of bankruptcy by RADG Holdings, a Knoxville, Tennessee, LLC run by real estate developer Brant Enderle. On Thursday, when his stalking horse bid was approved by the court overseeing the Chapter 11 proceedings, Enderle submitted a list of more than 30 employees who would be let go immediately—instead of on-boarded at his new company—including many of the executive leadership team and the staff based in the company’s Hauppauge, New York, offices. Former CEO Lee Silberman also sent a note to employees announcing that his last day was Friday.
Former Robert Allen Long Island, New York, showroom manager Nina Belczynski has joined Final Touch, Long Island's furniture and accessories showroom to the trade.
Currey & Company hired Jenny Heinzen York as director of marketing. Prior to joining the heritage lighting brand, Heinzen York spent a decade as editor in chief of Home Accents Today, and was most recently vice president of home marketing at AmericasMart in Atlanta.
Warroad, Minnesota–based door and window manufacturer The Marvin Companies named Kirsten Castillo and Russ Becker to its board of directors, and appointed Jackie Schneider as vice president of marketing.
There was a recent shake-up in Anthropologie's home department. Christopher Sotz is the new head of home (formerly senior divisional merchandise manager) and Hillary Super is the global president (formerly global brand president).
Jenina Garcia Dolce was promoted to executive vice president of Gibson Interior Products. She has been with the company for six years, and her last role was director of A&D development.
There have been several staffing shifts across the mattress and bedding industries. Michael Traub stepped down as CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding last month. David Swift, former executive chairman of the corporation’s board of directors, took over on April 18. And Steve Stagner resigned as executive chairman, president and CEO of Mattress Firm, six months after the brand declared bankruptcy. Bedding brand Purple Innovation appointed Lovesac co-founder Tres White as chief retail officer.
High-end bathroom manufacturer Duravit USA expanded its leadership team recently, naming Miralem Cajic as Southeast regional sales representative and Courtney Forson as director of digital strategy.
MEDIA & PR
New England Home editor in chief Kyle Hoepner will step down from the role after 14 years working for the brand. The magazine is seeking a new editor, and until that time Hoepner will continue to work to assist in smoothing the transition.
Angela Jett Okenica is the design advertising director of the Luxury and Design Collection at Hearst Magazines. Previously, she was the home director at Departures magazine.
Taylor Falls joined New York–based UpSpring PR as account executive. Falls will work with clients in architecture, design and real estate space.
Nan Philip has left Blitzer & Company. Her next venture will be announced soon.
Mara Gredick is the chief revenue officer at Galerie, replacing Janice Browne, who left the company. Stacy Piano is also now at Galerie, hailing from Town & Country.
Kelsey London was named account supervisor at the New York office of Sharp Communications. She was previously at Camron PR, serving as senior account manager for two years. Also new to the Sharp team is Catherine Lamberson.
Marina Garcia-Vasquez was named editor in chief of Artsy Editorial, an online art publication based in New York. The first to hold the newly created role for Artsy, Garcia-Vasquez previously held high-level editing positions at Vice and The Wall Street Journal.
Sofia Juarez was hired as digital director at Christina Juarez & Company in New York. She manages social media, branding and content development.
