Furniture Brands names ceo successor

ST. LOUIS Furniture Brands International has named Ralph Scozzafava to the board of directors as vice chairman and ceo of the company. He will succeed current chairman and ceo W.G. Holliman following his retirement of Jan. 1, 2008. Holliman will remain as chairman until May 1, 2008.

Scozzafava served most recently as the vp of worldwide commercial operation of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, since March 2006. He joined Wrigley in 2001 and in addition to his most recent position served as vp of sales and customer marketing, U.S. from 2001 to May 2002; vp and general manager, U.S. from May 2002 to January 2004; and vp and managing director – North America/Pacific from January 2004 to March 2006.  Prior to joining Wrigley, Scozzafava served in sales, marketing and merchandising positions at Campbell Soup Company, Clorox Company, and Johnson & Johnson.

Under the terms of his employment agreement, which was effective June 18, Scozzafava will receive an annual base salary of $700,000.