by TUPELO, Miss. — Full-line furniture resource Lane has named industry veterans Ruff Thomas and Keith News to new sales roles that officials said will lead a “realigned and reinvigorated global sales force” at the company.
Ruff Thomas has been named president, sales for the company’s Domestic Division and Keith News has been named president, sales for the company’s Import Division.
The appointments are effective immediately and follow the recent departure of former vice president, sales Jay Quimby. Both report to newly named CEO Todd Evans.
“Lane became an iconic brand over the past century because of our company’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement,” Evans said in announcing the appointments. “We’ve thrived as well as a result of the sustained efforts of our associates and ongoing collaborations with our retail channel partners.”
“Ruff and Keith are seasoned leaders, skilled communicators, and results-oriented sales team builders,” Evans added. “And a key characteristic that has enabled them to be successful through the years is their ability to listen actively and attentively. Because they do, they can quickly and appropriately support their sales teams. Because they do, they can fully collaborate with our channel partners.”
Before joining Lane in August 2019, Thomas was in sales management at American Furniture. News began his sales career with Lane in 2000 and later worked for 15 years in sales at Standard Furniture before rejoining Lane in November 2020 as vice president, sales, case goods.
“Good people made Lane a great brand and a frequent first choice among American consumers,” Thomas said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help foster an environment where good people can do their best and generate great results.”
News also was pleased with the opportunity and expressed confidence in the Lane team to “communicate clearly and collaborate easily to advance the company and its retail channel partners.”
