Christofle Silver merges wholesale, retail divisions

By Andrea Lillo -- Home Textiles Today, 8/5/2002 12:00:00 AM

WHITE PLAINS, NY —

Christofle Silver, Inc. has announced the restructuring of its sales force by merging its wholesale and retail divisions, to be headed Safa Hummel.

Its wholesale division includes the brands Christofle, Christian Lacroix Arts de la Table and the home collection Dior Collection Maison. In addition, the company has 16 Pavilion Christofle stores in the North America.

The changes were inspired by the departure of Elizabeth Buhler, who, as vp of sales, oversaw the wholesale division. While at Christofle, she built the Christofle brand through a network of authorized retailers and expanded the business in North America. She left the company to consult within the industry and to pursue other interests, the company said.

In the new position, Hummel will be responsible for the sales of the wholesale division and oversee the network of Pavilion Christofle stores. A team of regional sales representatives covering four territories will report to Hummel.

Hummel was most recently at the crystal gift company Daum as sales manager.

"We are pleased with Safa Hummel's arrival at Christofle," said Francois Duquesne, president.

In May, Christofle launched the Dior Collection Maison, which included bedding, bath, table, accessories and tabletop products.