PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–Safavieh has promoted Yervant Varjabedian to director of international sales, a new position.
A fourth-generation rug industry veteran, Varjabedian has been with Safavieh for 12 years, serving in various sales management capacities. He will continue to oversee key, long-standing national accounts.
“Varjabedian had been proactive in developing international business for Safavieh’s designer lines since the launch of Thomas O’Brien in 2005,” said company principal Cyrus Yaraghi in making the announcement. “With the addition of each designer to the Safavieh Couture program, overseas demand has increased. But response to the introduction of Ralph Lauren Home in January 2011 was overwhelming and requires a structured international sales program.”
Varjabedian has been in the rug industry since 1979. He said the international appeal of Ralph Lauren rugs is unprecedented.
“The brand is already established in leading furniture stores in Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East. They want the total Ralph Lauren lifestyle look, and are anxious to merchandise rugs in the assortments in their showrooms,” Varjabedian explained.