Midwest-CBK adds Maria Williams as senior director of sales

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 2/22/2013 1:04:49 PM

Maria WilliamsCANNON FALLS, Minn. - Holiday, gifts and home and outdoor decor manufacturer Midwest-CBK has hired Maria Williams as senior director of sales. With more than 30 years of experience in the holiday and gift industry, Williams is returning to Midwest-CBK in a newly created role. She previously spent three years in the late 1990s as a regional account manager.

"I'm excited to return to Midwest-CBK and work with general manager Dick Duff, our fantastic customers - and the products," Williams said. "When you walk into a Midwest-CBK showroom, it makes your heart skip a beat. The design, the trims, the materials, the presentation - Midwest-CBK delivers the best, most complete package to retailers. I'm really looking forward to helping our sales team work with our customers to ensure their success. "

In her new role, Williams will be responsible for day-to-day sales activity working with independent retailers, and will manage the field sales team including regional sales managers and account managers.

"Maria is an outstanding leader with a broad background of experience in our industry, and she's the perfect fit for our customers and sales team," said Dick Duff, Midwest-CBK general manager. "I've worked with Maria in two previous roles including when we first served together at Midwest-CBK, and I'm looking forward to working together again and bringing her experience, insight and down-to-earth approach to our talented team and customers."

Williams has served in sales leadership roles throughout her career, most recently as the national sales director at Blue Mountain Arts, where she also worked with Duff. Prior to that, she served as the director of sales and marketing at Oriental Accents, regional manager at Midwest-CBK and Michel & Company, national account manager at Silvestri and regional sales manager at Applause.

Based in Dallas, Williams is also an active volunteer with the Children's Advocacy Center of Plano, Texas, where she mentors teenage mothers in job training, parenting and life skills.