Nesquehoning, Pa.-based ELK Group International has promoted industry veteran John Haste to Senior VP/Sales & Marketing and James Ashley to the position of Senior Vice President.
Haste joined ELK in 2009 as VP/Sales & Marketing, spearheading the expansion into the home furnishings channel. He was instrumental in establishing a furniture and accessories sales force as well the strategic acquisitions of Sterling Industries, Bailey Street, and most recently Lazy Susan. In his new role, Haste will also be in charge of managing the ELK Hospitality division.
Haste also serves on the City of Hope Home Furnishings Board and is Vice Chairman of the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority as well as Vice Chairman of the Trustees of the Oklahoma State University Medical Center. Prior to joining ELK, he was VP/Sales & Marketing for IMAX.
Before being appointed Senior Vice President, James Ashley has served as VP/Sales & Marketing and managed the lighting showroom channel for all of the ELK brands including those focused on lighting, lamps, furniture, and decorative accessories. In addition, he has recently taken on the responsibility of leading the sales team that serves the furniture and accessory channel.
“James has shown an unrelenting commitment to serving our customers while embracing the corporate culture that is founded on that same ideal,” states ELK’s CEO Bradford Smith. “He is a dedicated professional whose enthusiasm, accomplishments and impassioned work ethic make him deserving of such recognition.”
“Layering in another regional manager to our North American coverage will empower all our sales managers to provide more personalized solutions for our customers and customized training to our sales representatives” Ashley explains.
Before joining ELK, in 2010, Ashley was the VP/Sales for Casablanca Fan Co. and assisted Hunter Fan Co. transition the business operations to Memphis. He will remain based in Austin.
