The High Point International Home Furnishings Market Authority has retained executive search firm Korn/Ferry International to assist in recruiting a new president.

On Oct. 24, incumbent Market Authority President Judy Mendenhall announced her plans to retire following the identification and transition of a replacement.

"Judy has done an outstanding job as the Authority's first president and we are sorry to see her retire," said Paul Toms, IHFMA board chairman. "Because of her tenacious drive and leadership, the Authority is now in a position to focus on additional initiatives to ensure that High Point remains the premier home furnishings market in the world. We believe Korn/Ferry's expertise in our industry and world-class reputation will be of great benefit in recruiting the best possible person for this critical position."

The Market Authority was established in 2001 to provide a unified management and marketing entity to produce the International Home Furnishings Market, the largest trade show of its kind in the world and the largest trade show of any kind in the United States. The market involves 12 million square feet of exhibit space in High Point, N.C., and attracts more than 3,000 manufacturers and thousands of retailers to its semi-annual show.

Individuals interested in learning more about this position can send an e-mail to marketauthority@kornferry.com.