by MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Paul Toms, Jr., the long-time executive at Hooker Furniture, is retiring from his role as chairman, effective immediately.
Toms had previously retired as CEO on Feb. 1 and was succeeded by Jeremy Hoff. However, Toms remained chairman in a non-executive capacity. He served on the board for 28 years, including his 21 years as Chairman and CEO.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Hooker Board the last 28 years,” Toms said, of his service at Hooker Furniture, now Hooker Furnishings. “If retirement from active management eight months ago has taught me anything, it is that there is ‘life after work.’ I’ve been blessed with good health and have enjoyed travel and an active lifestyle. Now, I’m ready to leave my professional career behind and focus on the next phase of my life.”
“Hooker Furnishings is in excellent financial condition and has a strong management team focused on continuously improving our results and fulfilling our mission statement; and a strong, diverse Board capable of leading it well into the future,” Toms added. “I’m confident their collective wisdom, focus on strategy, risk mitigation, succession planning, ESG initiatives and other important areas will continue to serve all stakeholders well. I wish the Company continued success going forward and will remain an ardent fan and interested shareholder.”
Toms is a grandson of Clyde Hooker Sr., who founded the company in 1924. He joined the company in 1983, serving in various management roles. He succeeded his uncle, Clyde Hooker Jr., as CEO in 2000.
The HFC Board has elected Henry G. Williamson Jr. as Toms’ successor as Chairman. Williamson, retired Chief Operating Officer of Truist Financial Corp. (formerly BB&T) has been an HFC director since 2004 and Independent Lead Director since June 2016.
With Toms’ departure the HFC Board now has eight members, from nine previously. They include Jeremy Hoff, CEO; Henry Williamson Jr., Chairman; W. Christopher Beeler Jr.; Maria C Duey; Paulette Garafalo; Tonya H. Jackson; E. Larry Ryder and Ellen C. Taaffe.
