Gibson USA appoints new execs

COMMERCE, Calif. Gibson USA, a leading housewares manufacturer, has announced two new hires. Veteran housewares executive Jack Kurilla will serve as the company's new director of sales, and retail sourcing specialist Connie Bowman will take over as director of product development.

With Gibson?s 30th anniversary next year, Kurilla?s focus will be on increasing the company's market share in an industry where vendors are faced with challenges such as retailer consolidation and rapidly-rising material costs.

Kurilla comes to Gibson following tenures at the Zrike Company, Zwilling J.A. Henckels, Groupe SEB and Krups, among others.

Bowman will lead Gibson's multi-category development group, and will be reponsible for sourcing needs for products across a range of materials that include metals, ceramics, plastics, woods, natural fibers and others. With over 20 years in the retail industry focused on product development and global sourcing, her resume includes positions at U.S. Sales Corp. and Big Lots. Most recently, she served as a managing director for 99 Cents Only Stores.

"In the 30 years since my father founded this company, we?ve seen good economies and bad, but we?ve always continued to grow," said company principal and Gibson ceo Sal Gabbay. "Connie and Jack are two examples of Gibson?s commitment to growth."