by Longtime company executive Mark Gosnell remains chief executive officer
NEW ALBANY, Miss. — Upholstered furniture manufacturer Albany Industries has named Craig Zielinski president, effective immediately.
Zielinski, who also continues to hold the title of chief operating officer, succeeds Mark Gosnell, who remains chief executive officer.
In his new role, the company said, Zielinski will focus on “continuing Albany Industries’ efforts to provide innovative, affordable furniture solutions, while promoting a culture of growth, collaboration and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, Albany Industries plans to leverage streamlined operations and continued focus on innovative merchandising to remain a leader in the domestic and imported furniture sectors.”
Zielinski joined the company as chief operating officer in early 2023 from Stanley Black & Decker, where he worked for 17 years. His most recent roles there included global vice president of operations for power tools and director of operations. He also held other senior management positions that included plant manager and operations manager.
Before joining Stanley Black & Decker, he worked at Pentair, where he was plant manager at its Oldham Saw Co. division. Before that, he was global lean manufacturing manager and senior manufacturing engineer.
Prior to joining Pentair, he was manufacturing engineering manager at Lincoln Brass Works.
“With over 25 years of leadership experience in the manufacturing sector and two years as the current COO, Zielinski is poised to take Albany Industries to new heights,” the company said in a statement. “His proven track record of driving operational improvements, expanding product and merchandising and enhancing customer satisfaction positions him perfectly to lead the company as it continues to grow and innovate in an ever-changing market.”
The company added that during his tenure, he also “has been at the helm of the company’s western expansion, including opening a 350,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Salt Lake City, along with realigning Albany’s supply chain for delivery and growth.”
“I have been very fortunate to work with some world-class teams throughout my career, and I knew when I came to Albany, there was something special here,” Zielinski said. “The strategic initiatives we have been able to implement in the past two years have been step-function improvements for the company and we are just getting started to further align our supply chain and get closer to our customers while providing stylish products at a value. We have great partnerships in the furniture industry, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen them as we remain focused on collective innovation and growth.”
Gosnell, who has been CEO since August 2011, expressed confidence in Zielinski’s ability “to lead the company to new heights.”
“Craig’s extensive experience, proven leadership and commitment to our core values make him the ideal choice to take on this important role,” Gosnell said. “His strategic vision and deep understanding of our operations will be invaluable as we continue to evolve and grow in the years ahead. We are excited to see the continued positive impact Craig will have on our company and our team.”
