Dennis Schmick, Philipp Leferenz


Andreas Mueller

In a move unprecedented for the rug maker, Capel Inc. has named someone from outside of the Capel family to lead the company. Eric Birnbach, who holds 26 years of experience in the home furnishings industry, assumed his new role as CEO of Capel in October. The three brothers that have been overseeing the company - A. Leon Capel, Jr., Jesse S. Capel, and Arron W. E. Capel - retired as executive officers.

Scandian Industries has named John T. Patterson to the newly created position of vice president of sales and marketing-North America.

Columbia Flooring has appointed Michael O'Toole as business unit manager, Columbia brand, and Mark Machnicki as Midwestern regional manager. O'Toole will be responsible for managing all sales activities surrounding the brand's nationwide distribution network. Succeeding O'Toole in servicing the Midwestern territory, Machnicki will manage distribution sales in the region.

R.C.A. Rubber Company has promoted three long-time employees: Rod Reiss has been named vice president of plant operations, LeAnn Wagner was appointed director of sales and marketing and Don Bullock was promoted to transit sales manager. These three individuals represent a combined 70 years of service at the company

Elegance Exotic Wood Flooring has added three members to its Southern California sales staff. Sona Ploozian has been named account manager for the San Fernando Valley/Ventura County region. Marco Aguirre takes on the role of key account manager. Joy Santos has joined as a customer service representative.

Sports turf maker FieldTurf Tarkett has named Jim Petrucelli as vice president of sales for the Prestige brand. Petrucelli has more than 30 years' experience in the sports industry, with expertise in all facets of the turf business, the company said.

Freudenberg Building Systems, makers of nora rubber flooring, has realigned its executive team. Philipp Leferenz, formerly president, has been named senior vp of sales and marketing, worldwide. Former vp of sales Dennis Schmick takes over Leferenz's former role. In addition, Andreas Mueller was promoted to vp of sales, North America.

Gilford Flooring has brought two new hires to its sales team. Daren Barhorst joins as commercial specification representative for the Southern Ohio market, including Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati and Toledo. Scott Davis has been named field sales manager for Eastern Kentucky, Southeast Ohio and Huntington, W.Va.

Mullican Flooring has named Bobby Gibbs as Southwest regional manager. His territory will include New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado and Louisiana. Gibbs has more than 20 years' experience in the industry, including 10 years as a regional manager for Tarkett Wood.

Preverco has given Mark Murphy the role of U.S. sales manager. Formerly vp of sales and marketing for Prestolam, Murphy will be responsible for U.S. sales development.