La-Z-Boy Names Sawyer Chief Information Officer

Furniture World Magazine

La-Z-Boy Incorporated announced that Otis S. Sawyer has been named Chief Information Officer for the corporation. In his new role, Sawyer will be responsible for driving the design and development of information systems and infrastructure to support the corporation's strategic business objectives. He will report directly to Kurt L. Darrow, President and CEO of La-Z-Boy Incorporated. Sawyer most recently was Senior Vice President of Finance at La-Z-Boy's England, Inc. subsidiary. Commenting on the announcement, Darrow said, "I am very pleased that Otis is joining the La-Z-Boy corporate team. He has a strong understanding of all facets of our business and has a unique perspective on our company having served in a variety of capacities at one of our best operating companies. I am confident Otis will quickly add value to our management team as he objectively and critically evaluates our current information technology systems and capabilities and guides his team in support of the company's objectives." Sawyer was responsible for information systems while at England, in addition to his finance role, and understands the importance of information technology in driving efficiency both internally and with the company's supply chain and retail partners. Since joining our England, Inc. subsidiary in 1993, he was responsible for strategic business planning, continuous process improvement initiatives, as well as systems implementation. Prior to joining the company in 1993, he was Controller for four years at Councill Companies and started his career in accounting with Hanes Incorporated in 1984. He has a Bachelor degree in Accounting from Guilford College and an MBA from Wake Forest University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Otis and his wife Jean, and their two sons Christopher and Robert, will be relocating to the Monroe, Michigan area. Background Information: With annual sales of $2 billion, La-Z-Boy Incorporated is one of the world's leading residential furniture producers, marketing furniture for every room of the home and office, as well as for the hospitality, health care and assisted-living industries. The La-Z-Boy Upholstery Group companies are Bauhaus, Centurion, Clayton Marcus, England, La-Z-Boy, La-Z-Boy Contract and Sam Moore. The La-Z-Boy Casegoods Group companies are Alexvale, American Drew, American of Martinsville, Hammary, Kincaid, Lea and Pennsylvania House. Additional information is available at http://www.la-z-boy.com/