HIGH POINT --- Upholstery and case goods resource Klaussner Home Furnishings has named industry veteran Mike Padjen vice president of international sales.
Michael Padjen
The position has been held by Bones O'Briant, a 26-year Klaussner employee who is retiring in February. O'Briant also serves as a regional vice president of sales for the company, overseeing sales activity in the Northeast as well as states including Tennessee and Virginia.
Padjen most recently was director of the North Carolina Furniture Export Office, a division of the state's Department of Commerce. Earlier, he held operations executive posts at American of Martinsville and La-Z-Boy Global, and also worked for American Drew, Wellborn Forest Products, cabinet manufacturer Merillat Inds and Coffman Stair Co.
At Klaussner, he reports to Brendunn Rush, vice president of sales, and will oversee the company's international sales and distribution efforts. Rush did not say how much business Klaussner does overseas, but said it sells into 50 countries in Asia, Europe, South America and the Middle East.
"We are ecstatic to have Mike on board," Rush said, adding that international sales is a large and growing part of the company's business. "He brings a lot of experience and professionalism, and has a lot of connections in government and all over the world. He can use those contacts to help us expand to (overseas) retailers and distributors."
