by Executive will help drive growth for the Danish home furnishings resource in the North American market
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — As part of a strategy to expand its presence in the North American market, Danish home furnishings resource Fritz Hansen has named Chris Paulsen vice president, Americas effective May 1.
He comes to the company from design resource Gubi, where he was managing director for the Americas for the past four years. Before that, he was contract executive sales director at MillerKnoll and before that he worked at Design Within Reach for just over 10 years, including nearly five years as its general manager.
According to its website, Fritz Hansen was founded in Denmark in 1872 and sells a line of residential furniture, lighting and accessories. In the furniture segment, its main categories include sofas, accent chairs, lounge seating, and dining tables and chairs.
Employing 260 people, the line is sold in some 2,000 points of sale in more than 85 countries. It also has flagship stores in Copenhagen, New York, San Francisco, Milan and Tokyo.
In his new position, Paulsen will help accelerate the company’s growth in the North American market. He reports to Lars Hardboe Galsgaard, executive vice president, sales and brand management.
“We are delighted to welcome Chris Paulsen to Fritz Hansen,” Galsgaard said. “With his proven track record in successful brand building, sales and distribution development in both contract and retail, we look forward to growing our business and strengthening our position in the Americas.”
Paulsen said he is looking forward to his new role in the industry.
“I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and success of the brand and to serve as an advocate for the values that have made it such an enduring presence in the industry,” he said. “For the confidence that has been placed in me, I am grateful, and I look forward to working closely with the team to build upon Fritz Hansen’s legacy to ensure its continued success.”
