AmericasMart industry veteran Sydney retires

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/22/2011 3:46:42 PM

Atlanta -AmericasMart Center veteran Chas Sydney is retiring from his post as senior vice president after more than three decades with the company.

Sydney is credited with leading the area rug franchise and its predecessors throughout his 31-year career at the Mart.

Jeffrey Portman Sr., president and coo of AmericasMart Atlanta and its AMC Inc. parent entity, said: "We were a very different company in 1980 when Chas first signed on. And we are a much better company today because of his incredible sales skills, his customer service commitment, and his long, hard work over these last three decades."

Sydney's retirement coincides with the conclusion of the July 2011 Atlanta International Area Rug Market and the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.

"When you truly love what you do, how hard you work or how long you work doesn't matter," said Sydney. "What matters is what you've accomplished, the differences you've made and what you leave. I want to thank AMC and the Portman family for giving me the opportunity to do my best for many years. It's been a great run."

Replacing Sydney is Kevin Malkiewicz, AMC's newest vice president. He assumes all leasing and management responsibilities for the Mart's area rug product center, which occupies more than 350,000 square feet of space on the third through sixth floors in Building One.

Mike Turnbull, AMC senior vice president for strategic relations, continues in his role as area rug industry liaison with chief responsibility for sustaining the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA)-AmericasMart Atlanta alliance.

"Kevin has helped lead our area rug and home furnishings business for more than 12 years. He is well prepared for this role and will undoubtedly reinforce AmericasMart's commitment to the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA), the rug business at AMC and the continued unparalleled customer service to the area rug industry," Sydney said.

Sydney said he plans to continue to work with AMC as a consultant on a variety of initiatives.