Ethan Allen's Farooq Kathwari Inducted Into American Furniture Hall of Fame
Kathwari became president of Ethan Allen in 1985, chairman and CEO in 1988, and led a management buyout of the company in 1989.
Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 11/9/2009 12:00:00 AM
Hall of Fame talk may be swirling around Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez after their World Series victory, but Farooq Kathwari has beaten them to the plate. The longtime chairman, president and CEO of Ethan Allen was inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame during the recent High Point Market, joining the ranks of company founder Nathan Ancell, La-Z-Boy cofounder Edwin Shoemaker and dean of American furniture designers David Wolcott Kendall in receiving the honor.
"It is an honor to be recognized by peers in our industry," says Kathwari. "During the last 36 years I have had the privilege of working closely with many of our industry leaders on issues that affect our industry."
Kathwari immigrated to the United States from his native Kashmir as a 21-year-old student. He worked at a printing company while earning an MBA in international marketing from New York University. In 1973, he formed a joint venture company to develop home accessories with Ethan Allen. The company eventually merged with Ethan Allen in 1980. Kathwari then went on to become president of Ethan Allen in 1985, chairman and CEO in 1988, and in 1989 he lead a management buyout of the company before taking it public in 1993.
The AFHOF honor states, "Farooq Kathwari has been the driving force behind Ethan Allen, a leading manufacturer and retailer of high quality home furnishings and interior design services. As president, chairman, and CEO, his distinguished leadership is further demonstrated through his service to the industry, the community, and the world."
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