P/Kaufmann creates 2 Park Group umbrella

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 4/23/2001 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK — P/Kaufmann has formed the 2 Park Group, the new umbrella name for its Braemore, Bloomcraft and Western Textile divisions.

Bob Appelbaum, formerly president of Braemore, becomes president of the 2 Park Group, according to Ron Kaufmann, P/Kaufmann president. Appelbaum has been with the company since 1980.

Succeeding Appelbaum as president of Braemore is Harry Cushing, previously vp of the division. He has been with the company since 1992.

At Western Textiles, Victoria Armentrout has been named vp, design. Formerly design director, she becomes an officer of the company, Kaufmann said. Neil Paladino, former sales manager, has been named vp, sales.

Fred Vecchione continues as president of Bloomcraft.

The moves are a result "of wanting to acknowledge the contributions of a number of key people by promoting them," Kaufmann explained. "It also allows Bob to handle all the operational aspects and the president the product."

Tom Burak, vp, design for Braemore has left the company. Kaufmann said "that due to the continuing softness in the print market, we have downsized the studio." Frank Dotero, a designer/stylist in the studio has been named studio manager and Cushing will be responsible for the design effort at Braemore, working with Dotero.

In additional moves, Tom Silbo has been named director of P/Kaufmann Outdoor Fabrics. He also will be responsible for the sale of closeouts and seconds for the 2 Park Group. Formerly sales manager for Bloomcraft, "for the last six months he was directly involved in the outdoor fabric business," Kaufmann noted. Rick DePalo has been named to the executive committee of P/Kaufmann. "We have expanded his range of duties which include converting, warehousing and the company's Bennettsville, SC print plant," Kaufmann continued.

"In this challenging economic climate, we're very pleased to recognize and promote such a talented group of executives. Their contributions to the growth and success of this company make us optimistic about the future," Kaufmman added.