MMPI appoints new COO, VP of Gift & Home division

Home Accents Today Staff -- Home Accents Today, 10/10/2011 7:20:42 AM

MMPI ANNOUNCED THE appointment of two key executives last month. Mark Furlet was named vice president of the company's Gift & Home division, assuming responsibility for the Chicago gift and home business, and Myron Maurer, a 24-year veteran of the company, is chief operating officer.
     Furlet moved into the position held for the past 14 years by Joan Ulrich, who has resigned from the company. He will also remain vice president and general manager of the L.A. Mart. In his new role, Furlet will direct all marketing, leasing and operations for the MMPI gift industry in Chicago and Los Angeles, as well as overseeing the gift teams responsible for selling and marketing permanent showrooms and temporary exhibition space.
     "Throughout his time with MMPI, Mark has distinguished himself as a leader to our showrooms in both Los Angeles and Chicago," said Mark Falanga, president, MMPI. "His acuity, resourcefulness and competence in navigating between our gift and home markets across the country underscore his appointment as the ideal candidate to lead this important industry into the future."
     As vice president and general manager for MMPI's L.A. Mart, L.A. Mart Design Center and California Gift Show brands, Furlet oversees all facility operations, marketing, leasing and temporary sales supporting more than 200 permanent showrooms and 1600 temporary exhibitors, representing 10,000 product lines. He was instrumental in integrating the 2009 California Gift Show acquisition into the L.A. Mart trade show umbrella. Prior to his L.A. Mart position, Furlet was the leasing director for The Chicago Market at Chicago's Merchandise Mart.
     Chris Collins continues as vice president and general manager of 7W.
     In his newly created position, Maurer is responsible for the day-to-day operations and management of MMPI's properties throughout the United States, and its consumer and trade shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. He reports to Mark Falanga, who was recently named president of MMPI.