Maria Scutaro named president of Murray Feiss; Greg Vandia leaving in January

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 10/6/2011 3:32:52 PM

Generation Brands, parent company of Murray Feiss Lighting, Tech Lighting, LBL Lighting, Sea Gull Lighting and Monte Carlo Fans, today announced Greg Vandia, president of Murray Feiss, will step down effective Jan. 31, 2012 after his 21 years at the company. Maria Scutaro, currently VP of sales and marketing for Murray Feiss, has been named to the position of president upon Vandia's transition early next year.

"Greg's accomplishments at Murray Feiss over the years have been remarkable," said Joe Higgins, CEO of Generation Brands. "Moving from Chicago to the South Bronx to lead sales in 1990, he progressed on to be part of the leadership team that built the Murray Feiss brand into a powerhouse in the lighting industry. Greg is known for his wonderful presence, leadership skills and an unbelievable enthusiasm for doing the best at whatever he pursues. The Murray Feiss team will miss him greatly, as will the Murray Feiss network of reps, customers and suppliers as well as his peers within the industry.

"One of Greg's finest achievements is grooming his successor, Maria Scutaro," continued Higgins. "Greg worked closely with Maria to navigate through the economic recession over the last few years, collaborating effectively to return the company back to a very healthy growth rate this year with much to look forward to."

Scutaro first joined Murray Feiss in 1997, and spent many years working under the leadership of the company's founder and lighting industry veteran, Murray Feiss, in sales and marketing roles. She took a four-year hiatus from the company to be vice president of sales at Uttermost, manufacturer of home accessories and furniture, returning to the company in 2009 as vice president of merchandising.

"My experience working on and building the Murray Feiss brand gives me a deep respect and understanding of the company's history and values as we chart the company's future," said Scutaro. "I am very excited to continue the momentum Greg has created in combining the company's rich heritage with our desire to evolve the brand to continually meet our customers' needs and interests."

Scott Forst is being promoted from his current position of VP of sales for Monte Carlo Fan Company to vice president of sales for Murray Feiss and the Monte Carlo Fan Company.