Kennesaw, Ga.—Herb Biggers, a board member and lead director of hard surface manufacturer Witex USA, has assumed the CEO duties following the sudden departure of Hartwig Siemerling. Siemerling had become president and CEO earlier this year ( FCNews, Feb. 16/23), following the resignation of Steve Newman (FCNews, Jan. 26). Siemerling had been with Witex for nearly eight years, and played an active role in the successful buy- out of the company’s North American operations from its German parent, which consisted of senior management members, two investment companies and current chairman, Bill Hamlin (FCNews, June 21/28).

Biggers, who has 25 years of senior executive management experience for major U.S. companies, is no stranger for the flooring industry, especially at the retail level. From 1996 to 1998, he served as COO of The Maxim Group and president of its Flooring America retail group (now owned by CCA Global Partners). Prior to Maxim, he was recruited by The Home Depot to become the general manager of its then new Expo Design Center division. From 1995 to 1996, he was involved in retail development and management of the business unit with stores in California, Georgia, Texas and New York. In commenting on Witex, Biggers said, “It is a company with great products, experienced people and a loyal and supportive customer base. “We have a fantastic opportunity ahead of us,” he continued, “with our new laminate product, hardwood and ceramic introductions, and our Laura Ashley Home Program.”

In other news, Paul Trau has joined the mill to fill the newly created position of executive vice president of sales and marketing. Matt Thornton will continue as Witex’ vice president of sales and has also been given responsibility for channel sales and customer service programs. Trau has 28 years of marketing, manufacturing and sales experience in the flooring industry, including senior management roles with Maxim, along with Bruce Hardwood Floors and the National Wood Flooring Association ( NWFA). Biggers said the addition of Trau “will serve to strengthen Witex’ commitment to innovative sales and marketing initiatives as we continue to grow as a worldclass, customer-focused company. “This move,” he concluded, “reflects the positive and aggressive outlook for the future of Witex our investors and board have. We are committed to provide the company with the necessary resources and focus that is required to keep pace with our dynamic customer service and product sales initiatives.”