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TODD WANEK

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Furniture is in Todd’s DNA, but his passion for the industry was ignited in the 1980s during his high Awards and Recognitions
school and college years when he worked in all aspects of the business, including production lines, Lead Advocate of Innovative Medical Research
shipping, machine maintenance, product design, engineering, fi nance and global sourcing.
– Mayo Clinic
After graduating from The University of Wisconsin - Stout, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial National Finalist Entrepreneur of the Year
Technologies, Todd and his wife Karen moved to Asia to serve as General Manager of Ashley’s – Ernst & Young
Taiwan manufacturing and distribution facility. He spent fi ve years in Asia, from 1989-1993, learning Board of Directors
the culture and developing Ashley’s innovative supply and manufacturing base throughout Asia, – American Home Furnishings Association
including China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indonesia.
Principal Partner Benefactor
In 1994, Todd returned to the U.S. where he spearheaded Ashley’s entrance into the upholstery – Mayo Clinic
category with the purchase of an upholstery operation in Ecru, Mississippi. Today, this facility has Board of Directors
the largest upholstery operation in the world, encompassing over 2,000,000 square feet on a 100- – Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce
acre site. Over the next two years, Todd assumed responsibility for all Ashley upholstered products,
as well as the company’s growing international operations. Supplier of the Year
– Furniture Today
Through Todd’s accomplishments in all aspects of Ashley’s business and operations, he was Distinguished Alumnus
promoted to President and Chief Operations Offi cer in 1996, assuming responsibility for Ashley’s – Arcadia School District
worldwide operations. By 1999, Ashley became a major player in almost every home furnishings Distinguished Service–Community
product category along with becoming one of the best marketers in the furniture industry.
– Deloitte 75
Todd’s experience and vision was instrumental in developing and implementing Ashley’s Spirit of Life Award
“blended manufacturing strategy.” This foundation is the cornerstone for Ashley increasing their – City of Hope
U.S. employment base and Ashley’s consistent market share growth today. Through his proven Distinguished Service
leadership and vision, Todd became the Chief Executive Offi cer of Ashley Furniture Industries in – American Home Furnishings Association
2002, a position he holds to this day.
Family Dynasty Award “ Being #1 is a
Throughout the years, Todd has built an extremely capable leadership team with extraordinary – Furniture Today
depth, diversity and understanding of the industry. Most of his team developed their careers within Chairman
the Ashley business and have a profound knowledge of its business systems and culture. Additional – American Heart Association Gala, Tampa Bay strategy fueled by
management has been added to his team from related businesses based on their contribution,
commitment and passion for the business and the Ashley brand. American Heritage Award
– Anti-Defamation League
Todd’s passion and focused commitment for improving Ashley’s operations, products and services Pillar of the Industry award from the 2,300 member vision, execution
is unrelenting to this day, positioning the company for continued growth into the future. Staying International Home Furnishings Representative
true to Ashley’s vision, “We want to be the best furniture company,” Todd continues to cultivate the Association in April 2015
company’s continuous improvement culture. An example of this is his focus on the development and a billion dollar
of the strongest supply chain in the furniture industry, which constantly evolves to serve customers
wherever and however they want to buy home furnishings. investment.”

Today, with Todd’s leadership, Ashley Furniture is not just the world’s largest furniture manufacturer
and North America’s largest furniture retailer, we are now a leader in technology innovations;
investing tens of millions of dollars each year in people and technological processes to improve
every aspect of the company’s performance, while lowering costs to our customers.
Todd and his wife Karen have two children, Cameron who is Sr. Director, Strategy & Data
Management for Ashley and Gabrielle who has interned at the company for six years; the last four TODD WANEK
years while attending High Point University. President & CEO
Ashley Furniture Industries

6 / ASHLEY HOMESTORE