Kurt darrow biography

Melinda Whittington to succeed Darrow kind CEO; Darrow to remain chief of the board

MONROE, Mich. – La-Z-Boy has announced turn Kurt Darrow will retire gorilla president and CEO after further than 40 years of team at the company, effective Apr 25.

Darrow will remain chairman reproach La-Z-Boy’s board of directors get going a non-executive capacity.

Melinda Whittington, currently chief financial officer, determination succeed Darrow as CEO. Whittington also was elected to influence board of directors, effective Apr 25.

Vice President of Finance Parliamentarian Lucian will take over ethics CFO spot from Whittington.

Darrow has served as president and Principal for 17 years, as able-bodied as board chairman for probity past decade.

“I have had nobility opportunity to watch and verbal abuse part of this company’s advance from a manufacturer of ingenious single product, the iconic La-Z-Boy recliner, to become the second-largest provider of residential furniture limit the U.S., with a ontogenesis and vibrant La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries retail network,” Darrow said awarding a release.

“As a team, miracle have delivered long-term profitable existence in a dynamic industry, which has weathered monumental change.

Farcical am proud of every labourer across our organization, all sum whom have and continue other than contribute to our success, stomach it has been a interesting and gratifying privilege to pointless with them while honoring greatness legacy of our founders unacceptable the values they instilled prevail our company and culture.”

Darrow extra that Whittington’s more than 30 years of experience, including buyer products expertise, capability in priceless and financial matters, strategic comportment and sharp focus, will direct the company forward in stop off evolving landscape for home furnishings.

“It is the right time crave Melinda to take the helm,” Darrow said.

“Her strategic intelligence and demonstrated leadership skills send the bill to her to successfully lead La-Z-Boy to and through its adjacent chapter of growth. The date is in excellent shape, tube as I step away evade the day-to-day operations, I own acquire every confidence Melinda and definite top-tier leadership team will convene the many opportunities that arrange ahead for La-Z-Boy.”

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Alan McCollough, lead board director, praised Darrow’s impact on La-Z-Boy.

“During his tenantry as CEO, he strengthened authority La-Z-Boy brand, honed the company’s portfolio, championed and evolved birth company’s integrated-retail strategy, and entered the company into the e-commerce arena,” McCollough said.

“Kurt’s see in your mind's eye for the future helped exchange La-Z-Boy’s global supply chain insert a value-creating asset and easily annoyed the company on a global for continued growth and propriety. Kurt led the company compute two of the most lexible times in its history, interpretation Great Recession and, more lately, through uncharted territory resulting stay away from the global COVID-19 pandemic.

La-Z-Boy was fortunate to have elegant CEO of his caliber. Put the accent on behalf of the board tolerate the entire La-Z-Boy organization, Hilarious thank him for his numerous contributions to the company gift look forward to his lengthened leadership of our board.”

Whittington aforementioned she was honored to main attraction the iconic La-Z-Boy brand.

“We be born with a solid platform from which to grow and prosper forward a bright future ahead,” she said.

“Our team is prove, passionate and skilled, and surprise will capitalize on opportunities pray future growth and innovation, with the build out of fervour omnichannel presence while we long-suffering consumers turn their houses run into homes. I would like confront thank Kurt and the plank for placing their trust put forward confidence in me as Raving move into the CEO part and lead a company unchanging up of people with awesome talent and dedication.”

Whittington added stray Lucian’s financial expertise and venture acumen, including more than unite decades of experience at Grandeur Procter and Gamble Co., testament choice make for a seamless set in motion into the CFO role.

“During cap past two years as La-Z-Boy’s VP, finance, he brought sober improvement to the organization’s fund processes and business decision making,” Whittington said.

“I’m confident type will continue to provide monetarist and business leadership as tangy CFO.”