Venture will develop, source product for retail segments


PULASKI, Va. — Jim Kelly has been named president of Solutions, a new global sourcing operation of Home Meridian International, the company formed by the merger of Pulaski Furniture and SLF.

Kelly, who had been executive vice president of product development and marketing for Pulaski, will report to George Revington, president and CEO of Home Meridian International.

In addition, Pulaski has named Dallas George as vice president of marketing. Harrison “H” Kelly remains vice president of product development at Pulaski, and he and George now report to Pulaski President Don Mitchell.

The Solutions venture joins Pulaski furniture, SLF and the infant furniture line Creations as strategic marketing units of Home Meridian International. The company said it will have the ability to leverage Pulaski’s brand development and marketing expertise and SLF’s strength in sourcing and logistics.

The new company will develop, source and supply product to segments including big-box retailers, mass merchants, buying clubs, specialty stores and the hospitality industry. A company announcement describes Solutions as a one-stop resource capable of delivering a full line of price points, styles and customized furniture for retailers.

Company officials were unavailable to elaborate on the new operation today.

Kelly is a 39-year industry veteran credited with expanding Pulaski’s product portfolio to include accents and licensed brands.

“The opportunity to reposition our executive management team for growth is a significant first step toward the future state of HMI as a global company,” Revington said in a written statement.

Dallas George joined Pulaski a year ago as a member of a task force responsible for the development of the Keepsakes Home case goods line. He also helped develop the sales and distribution plan for the launch of the company’s Build-A-Bear Workshop Home Collection in October.

Before joining Pulaski, George was vice president of retail development at Lexington Furniture and held a number of sales management positions during his 20 years with Thomasville Furniture Inds.

H Kelly, who is Jim Kelly’s son, began his career with Pulaski in 1995 and has held positions related to product design, manufacturing and engineering. Under his tenure, Pulaski has added product lines and has introduced technical advances and innovations to its line of curio cabinets.