IMC promotes Paul Watson to vp design

Home Accents Today Staff -- Home Accents Today, 4/10/2012 9:07:08 AM

International Market Centers announced the promotion of Paul Watson to vice president of design, IMC.

In his new position, Watson oversees the management and leasing for Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, the 40-plus showroom venue that is open to both the public and the trade. He is also charged with growing IMC's venues in High Point with design-centric and upper-end manufacturers.

Watson reports to Tom Mitchell, president of IMC's Home Furnishings Division, and succeeds Randy Wells, who has accepted a new opportunity within the industry.

IMC CEO Bob Maricich said, "Watson has been instrumental in the growth of the Las Vegas Design Center for four years and assumes oversight at an opportune time. In 2011, LVDC signed leases with 11 new showrooms. Today, Las Vegas Design Center has achieved the highest occupancy levels in its history and has successfully repositioned itself as a regional design hub for both the A&D community as well as consumers. This is an exciting and synergistic time for the global design industry and our customers now have the benefit of cooperating venues on both coasts in order to maximize distribution channels."

Watson joined World Market Center Las Vegas in 2008 as director of leasing and has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. He held executive leasing positions with a number of wholesale merchandise marts and design centers, including Pacific Design Center, Miromar Design Center and L.A. Mart. Watson helped create the "Decorative Arts District" in downtown Los Angeles in cooperation with the offices of the city and the mayor.