news-record.com

HIGH POINT - The International Home Furnishings Center announced its new president and CEO on Wednesday.

Tom Mitchell, general manager of Merchandise Mart Properties in High Point, will replace Tom Lindh, who surprised the furniture industry with his sudden resignation last month.

The IHFC was High Point's original showroom building when it opened in 1921, and at 3.5 million square feet, it remains the centerpiece of the High Point Market, the largest furniture industry trade show in the world.

Bruce Miller, the former president of IHFC, has been filling in since Lindh's resignation.

Miller said he believes Mitchell has what it takes to fill the position.

"I've known Tom for 20 years," Miller said Wednesday.

"He is well known and has an outstanding reputation in the industry," Miller said. We're thrilled he's agreed to come and work for us."

Mitchell will take over as president and CEO on July 14.

Merchandise Mart is the second largest showroom operator in High Point, after the IHFC itself.

As of late Wednesday, the company had not announced who would replace Mitchell.

Contact Joe Killian at 883-4422 or joe.killian@news-record.com