NFM promotes from within; Jensen Outdoor names new president | Who’s News
Welcome to our weekly roundup of employee comings and goings and other people-related news across the home furnishings industry. Here’s the latest:
************************
Jensen Outdoor has named Bryan Echols president, effective immediately, marking a planned leadership transition at the sustainable luxury wood outdoor furniture manufacturer.
Bryan Echols succeeds Eric Parsons, who will continue with the company as chairman and strategic advisor. The company said the move reflects continuity rather than a shift in direction, as Jensen Outdoor continues to focus on sustainable craftsmanship, long-term partnerships and measured growth.
Echols joined Jensen Outdoor in 2025 and brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the outdoor furnishings industry. Since joining the company, he has worked closely with the leadership team to support growth across retail, design trade and hospitality channels.
************************
NFM, part of Berkshire Hathaway’s furniture division, has promoted Jennifer Bryan to director of marketing.
In this role, Bryan will oversee brand development, content strategy, media planning, digital engagement, customer experience and experiential initiatives, “aligning every touchpoint with NFM‘s customer-centric mission,” the company said. She will lead a growing, multi-disciplinary team focused on strengthening loyalty, accelerating digital-first engagement and supporting NFM’s continued expansion. Bryan will report directly to Chief Merchandising Officer Amy Myers.
************************
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.’s executive chairman Marcus Lemonis is now also the company’s CEO. In a letter to shareholders and another to consumers, Lemonis outlined his go-forward strategy for the company which centers on “one company, three pillars”: omnichannel retail, blockchain services and Beyond Home platforms powered by AI. You can read more about that here.
************************
Joining the ranks of several U.S. presidents, Nobel laureates and influential leaders, Michael Amini, chairman/CEO and founder of AICO (Amini Innovation Corp.), has been named a 2026 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Founded in 1986 by the Ellis Island Honors Society, the honor is presented annually to individuals who have demonstrated “outstanding commitment to serving our nation either professionally, culturally or civically” and “reflect a proud commitment to our nation’s ideals of diversity, opportunity and service,” according to the organization.
