Westgate Names CEO David Li as President
March 9, 2009
NEW YORK, New York — Chief Executive Officer David Li has resumed the post of president and is taking a more hands-on role in the company's operations.
''As our business continues to grow and become more complex, I feel it is extremely important that I be more involved in the day-to-day functions,'' Li said.
Westgate/HFI is a vertical manufacturer of decorative fabrics and finished home fashions. Total annual sales for the privately held company are said to be in excess of $175 million, according to the company.
''Our product line and sources of supply have dramatically expanded,'' Li stated. ''Our acquisition of Quaker Brazil has been tremendously successful. We have built a new manufacturing facility in Rugao, China and also made a major investment in new finishing facilities and equipment. We are continuing to invest in facilities and infrastructure. All of these developments require more of my personal attention, which is why I have decided to take a more active role in the business.''
Li replaces president Thomas Coughlin, who has left the company to pursue other interests. Coughlin had been with Westgate for three years.
In another change, veteran home fashions executive, Amy Bell, has been named to the new position of executive vice president of marketing and merchandising over all of Westgate Home/HFI.
''Amy has done a superb job in increasing our business over the past four years,'' Li said. ''We have had four years of consecutive growth in our decorative accessories and pet bed division.''
Bell has been with Westgate/HFI for four years as vice president and merchandise manager for decorative pillows and accessories.
Westgate/HFI has also made a change at the operations level, naming Jean Brown to the position of chief operating officer. Brown succeeds Jack Cobb, who took over all of the company's Chinese operations.
''We are investing heavily in logistics and supply chain improvements, and Jack is overseeing all of our expansion and manufacturing in China,'' Li explained. ''Jean has been with the company for four years, and is extremely well suited to oversee our operations here.''
Brown joined the company in 2005, and most recently served as president of the Westgate Interiors division, as well as vice president of new business development. Brown has been in the home furnishings industry for more than 15 years, holding a variety of executive and sales management positions.
Brown was previously executive vice president of Evergreen International and also worked for Manual Woodworkers and Weavers and Two's Company. Brown has extensive experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions, and will oversee HFI corporate acquisitions that fit in with company's long-term strategic goals. She holds an MBA from the University of Arizona.
''As our business continues to grow and become more complex, I feel it is extremely important that I be more involved in the day-to-day functions,'' Li said.
Westgate/HFI is a vertical manufacturer of decorative fabrics and finished home fashions. Total annual sales for the privately held company are said to be in excess of $175 million, according to the company.
''Our product line and sources of supply have dramatically expanded,'' Li stated. ''Our acquisition of Quaker Brazil has been tremendously successful. We have built a new manufacturing facility in Rugao, China and also made a major investment in new finishing facilities and equipment. We are continuing to invest in facilities and infrastructure. All of these developments require more of my personal attention, which is why I have decided to take a more active role in the business.''
Li replaces president Thomas Coughlin, who has left the company to pursue other interests. Coughlin had been with Westgate for three years.
In another change, veteran home fashions executive, Amy Bell, has been named to the new position of executive vice president of marketing and merchandising over all of Westgate Home/HFI.
''Amy has done a superb job in increasing our business over the past four years,'' Li said. ''We have had four years of consecutive growth in our decorative accessories and pet bed division.''
Bell has been with Westgate/HFI for four years as vice president and merchandise manager for decorative pillows and accessories.
Westgate/HFI has also made a change at the operations level, naming Jean Brown to the position of chief operating officer. Brown succeeds Jack Cobb, who took over all of the company's Chinese operations.
''We are investing heavily in logistics and supply chain improvements, and Jack is overseeing all of our expansion and manufacturing in China,'' Li explained. ''Jean has been with the company for four years, and is extremely well suited to oversee our operations here.''
Brown joined the company in 2005, and most recently served as president of the Westgate Interiors division, as well as vice president of new business development. Brown has been in the home furnishings industry for more than 15 years, holding a variety of executive and sales management positions.
Brown was previously executive vice president of Evergreen International and also worked for Manual Woodworkers and Weavers and Two's Company. Brown has extensive experience in corporate mergers and acquisitions, and will oversee HFI corporate acquisitions that fit in with company's long-term strategic goals. She holds an MBA from the University of Arizona.
