Sullivans Reinforces Strategic Growth With Key Leadership Appointments

Sioux Falls, SD ­ July 10, 2023

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Sullivans, an industry leader in the design and marketing of home décor for every style, season, and occasion, is pleased to announce strategic changes to its leadership team, including key new hires and promotions. These moves emphasize Sullivans' commitment to providing award-winning customer service and the best possible products to retailers and consumers nationwide.

Scott Wentz, a veteran of logistics, supply chain, and operations management, has joined Sullivans as Vice President of Operations. Wentz brings extensive experience in warehousing, fulfillment, and import/sourcing from his tenures at New Balance and HJ Heinz. His strong emphasis on cost control, customer satisfaction, and KPI-driven performance will further bolster Sullivans' operational efficiencies.

John Horgan, a high-energy executive with a 25-year career at the C-level, has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer. Horgan brings a wealth of knowledge in financial strategy, capital structure management, and fiscal efficiency. His robust experience and dynamic leadership will be instrumental in guiding Sullivans' financial health and corporate strategy.

Michael Forte joins as Director of National Accounts, with over 26 years of experience in the home décor industry. Michael has a successful track record in establishing partnerships with major brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retailers, an attribute that Sullivans will leverage to strengthen its reach across diverse retail sectors.

Lisa Juul has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales. Lisa, who has been with Sullivans for 5 years, brings 27 years of experience in CPG companies. During her tenure, she has played a crucial role in driving revenue growth across all channels, developing the sales force, and building a national accounts team. With her extensive industry experience and proficiency in sales management, purchasing, and marketing, Lisa's contribution will be invaluable in advancing Sullivans' omni-channel sales strategy.

Tawni Buhler, a proven marketing leader, has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing. She will continue to transform Sullivans' marketing strategies, building on her 5 years with the company and her 12 years of experience in overseeing branded websites and marketing departments in the CPG space. Tawni regularly contributes to trade publications on topics such as digital futures, consumer insights, and retailer preparedness, and her promotion signifies Sullivans' commitment to a data-driven, enterprise-wide marketing approach.

"Today's announcement reflects our strategic commitment to enhancing our talent and positioning Sullivans for the future," said Tom Russo, CEO of Sullivans. "Scott's operational expertise, Michael's industry relationships, John's financial acumen, and the stellar contributions from Lisa and Tawni, are powerful additions to our team. We are well-positioned to maintain our industry leadership and continue innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers."

Sullivans, headquartered in South Dakota, operates showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Sioux Falls, as well as a highly interactive virtual market, and is also the operator and distributor of Woodstock Chimes, the Darren Gygi Home Collection, Vance Kitira Candles, Woodstock Elements, Candle Impressions, and Mirage Flameless LED Candles.

For more information on Sullivans, please visit sullivangift.com or their new consumer website sullivanshomedecor.com.

About Sullivans

Sullivans is a leading designer and marketer of home décor and gifts, offering quality, versatile products for every style, season, and occasion. Sullivans aims to create emotional connections with customers worldwide through inspiring product design, award-winning customer service, and focused consumer trend marketing and research.

For more information on Sullivans or to view their wide range of products, visit sullivangift.com or their new consumer website sullivanshomedecor.com. In addition to its Sullivans brand, Sullivans, Inc. also operates and distributes Woodstock Chimes, the Darren Gygi Home Collection, Vance Kitira Candles, Woodstock Elements, Candle Impressions and Mirage Flameless LED Candles.  Combined they bring nearly 150 years of industry product and design experience and the ability to adapt to consumers’ regularly changing needs.

Media Contact:
Megan Gygi

Megan.Gygi@SullivanGift.com