January 16/23, 2017: Volume 31, Number 16
By Ken Ryan
Glen Burnie, Md.—Haines, the flooring industry’s No. 1 ranked distributor, has promoted Michael Barrett from chief logistics officer to president and CEO. He replaces Bruce Zwicker, who is departing after 13 years with the company.
A Haines spokesman confirmed the moves are part of a succession plan initiated by Zwicker and the Haines board of directors.
“Our board of directors, including Bruce, see this as the right time to transition leaders and renew our focus on growth and leadership in the floor covering industry,” said Pierce Dunn, chairman. “Haines finished 2016 strong, completing the CMH integration, creating new programs for our customers and suppliers, and building a strong management team. The board and our shareholders see opportunities for Haines to continue to improve service for customers and create more value for suppliers. We are thankful for Bruce’s 13 years of service and have confidence in Mike’s continued leadership in his new role.”
Zwicker issued a statement noting that, “Being a part of Haines, working closely with our customers, our suppliers and our dedicated employees has been a highlight of my career. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and see a bright future for Haines and its extended family of customers and suppliers. I have no doubt Mike and the Haines team will be successful in finding new and better ways to serve our industry.”
Barrett joined Haines in February 2015 to lead all Haines operations, including the company’s customer service, purchasing, warehouse and fleet operations. He has worked with teams across Haines making several operational improvements, including inventory optimization. Prior to Haines, his career included successive leadership positions running operations and customer service at QVC, Dollar Tree, Fingerhut, CVS and Sonoco Products Co.
“Haines has a proud, long-standing tradition of service.” Barrett said. “We remain dedicated to delivering the best products and services by connecting customers with reliable suppliers and employees with great careers. I am honored to lead Haines in continuing to serve our tight-knit community.”
The switch at the top is the latest in a year of executive change at Haines. Back in March the distributor announced the restructuring of its management team to prepare for the future. The move entailed the promotion of 16 individuals. That announcement followed the departure of long-time executives Scott Roy and Rosana Chaidez, each of whom left to become CEOs elsewhere.
More recently, Haines appointed Chris Pratt to chief sales and marketing officer (FCNews, Jan. 2/9). In the same announcement, the company noted Hoy Lanning, who served as chief sales and marketing officer for the CMH division, would be retiring as of Jan. 1, 2018.