Maricich served for many years on the American Furniture Manufacturers Association Board of Directors and most recently was the past chairman of the executive committee.

Bob Maricich

The principals of World Market Center Las Vegas, home of the Las Vegas Furniture Market, announced today that Bob Maricich has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Las Vegas Furniture Market.

Maricich, who has spent the past eleven years with Hickory, N.C.-based Century Furniture Industries, is widely recognized as one of the home furnishings industry's most innovative leaders. Most recently as President and Chief Executive Officer of Century, Maricich oversaw 1,200 associates and was instrumental in building the $175 million company into one of the most admired brands. Century is among the world's largest privately owned manufacturers of high-end residential furniture.

Maricich served for many years on the American Furniture Manufacturers Association Board of Directors and most recently was the past chairman of the executive committee. He was also appointed by the Governor of North Carolina to be chairman of the North Carolina Furniture Export Council, a position he held from 2000 to 2004. A contributor to Harvard Business Review, Maricich is a frequent speaker at leading design events and national business conferences, most recently delivering the keynote address at the U.S. Naval Academy Leadership Excellence Summit.

The Executive Committee and Managing Partners of World Market Center, including co-founders Jack Kashani and Shawn Samson as well as Ron Wackrow and Michael Brenner of Related Companies, commented on the significance of Maricich joining World Market Center:

"Bob represents the new leadership of the industry, and we're thrilled that he is joining us and bringing his illustrious track record, innovation and powerful management skills to World Market Center. As one of the most respected veterans in the industry, Bob will be a tremendous part of our strategy to fulfill the total vision to develop the world's largest, most compelling showcase for home furnishings Industry. He is committed to our long term plan to rapidly expand the unique and exclusive franchise of World Market Center, and lead the industry into the future, by offering a truly global platform for buyers and exhibitors to conduct business."

Bob Maricich commented, "This is truly an unprecedented opportunity for me to contribute to the growth and evolution of the home furnishings industry on a global scale. I am blown away by the vision, commitment and resources the owners have dedicated to ensure World Market Center exceeds the needs of the industry. World Market Center without question is uniquely positioned to present the most efficient platform and represents the future of the home furnishings industry. I look forward to working with the talented team within the organization to harness the momentum of Las Vegas Market, forge stronger relationships with manufacturers and retailers, and fully leverage the infrastructure of this world class city in order to deliver the most compelling and inspired venue in the world for the industry."

Maricich will report to the Executive Committee of World Market Center that is comprised of Kashani and Samson, along with Wackrow and Brenner from Related Companies.

"Bob represents what World Market Center is all about," Wackrow said. "He personifies the cutting edge, energetic spirit of World Market Center. His personal understanding of what our audience wants and needs makes him the ideal person to run our operation and continue its evolution to 12 million square feet in a few short years."

The executive search for World Market Center's new President and CEO was led by Rhodes Associates, a New York based executive search and asset management firm.