Generation Brands, parent company of Murray Feiss Lighting, Tech Lighting, LBL Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting and Monte Carlo Fans, has announced Greg Vandia will step down as president of Murray Feiss effective January 31, after 21 years with the company. Maria Scutaro, currently vp/Sales & Marketing for Murray Feiss, will take over as president upon Vandia’s transition early next year.
“Greg’s accomplishments at Murray Feiss over the years have been remarkable,” says Joe Higgins, CEO of Generation Brands. “Moving from Chicago to the South Bronx to lead sales in 1990, he progressed to be part of the leadership team that built the Murray Feiss brand into a powerhouse in the lighting industry. Greg is known for his wonderful presence, leadership skills, and an unbelievable enthusiasm for doing the best at whatever he pursues. The Murray Feiss team will miss him greatly, as will the Murray Feiss network of reps, customers, suppliers, and his peers within the industry.”
“One of Greg’s finest achievements is grooming his successor, Maria Scutaro,” Higgins adds. “Greg worked closely with Maria to navigate through the economic recession over the last few years, collaborating effectively to return the company back to a very healthy growth rate this year with much to look forward to.”
Scutaro first joined Murray Feiss in 1997, and spent many years working under the leadership of the company’s founder and lighting industry veteran, Murray Feiss, in sales and marketing roles. She took a four year hiatus from the company to serve as vp/Sales at Uttermost before returning to the company in 2009 as vp/Merchandising.
“My experience working on and building the Murray Feiss brand gives me a deep respect and understanding of the company’s history and values as we chart the company’s future,” Scutaro comments. “I am very excited to continue the momentum Greg has created in combining the company’s rich heritage with our desire to evolve the brand to continually meet our customers’ needs and interests.”
Scott Forst is being promoted from his current position of vp/Sales for Monte Carlo Fan to vp/Sales for Murray Feiss and the Monte Carlo Fan Company. Forst joined Monte Carlo in April 2008 after serving seven years in sales management and sales for Hunter Fan Company’s Casablanca division.
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