by HICKORY, N.C. — Luxury furniture manufacturer Vanguard Furniture, headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, announced the promotion of Ben Stewart to chief financial officer. Stewart, who has served as vice president of finance for the past two and a half years, will continue to report directly to Andy Bray, president and chief executive officer.
“Since joining Vanguard January 2024, Stewart has demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to progress,” Bray said. “He has brought new technology and automation into day-to-day operations and helped an already-capable finance function reach a new level of performance. His work has helped strengthen Vanguard’s financial position and support its continued growth.”
He fills a role previously held by Mark Huegerich, who left the company for a position at Fairfield Chair about 18 months ago.
In his new role, Stewart will assume full executive responsibility for Vanguard’s financial strategy, reporting, and operations as the company continues to grow its position in the luxury furniture market.
Stewart brings more than two decades of furniture industry financial leadership to the CFO position. Prior to joining Vanguard Furniture, he served as Vice President of Finance at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams for approximately 15 years, where he developed a comprehensive understanding of the financial and operational dynamics unique to the high-end furniture sector.
Stewart earned a Master of Accounting degree from the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University.
