People on the Move: February 19, 2013

GDA Staff -- Gifts and Dec, 2/19/2013 2:02:21 PM

Laurence WardenMidwest-CBK

Laurence Warden has been appointed vice president of sales for Midwest-CBK LLC. Warden brings more than 25 years of experience in the holiday and gift industry and started his career at Midwest-CBK, working alongside the company's general manager, Dick Duff, in the 1990s.

In his position, Warden will lead the independent and national sales teams, focusing on growing sales. Warden served in several sales leadership roles at Midwest-CBK in both England and the U.S., including director of national sales. Prior to returning to Midwest-CBK, Warden served as the director of sales for Kaemingk Associates; within four years, Warden and a business partner helped built the company's U.S. business.

"Midwest-CBK has an incredible legacy and played a lead role in creating the holiday and gift industry, built by outstanding, talented and passionate people who create extraordinary products," said Warden in a statement. "What brought me back to Midwest-CBK is the magic of this special place, which I'm thrilled to share with our customers and the industry."

Debra GoldCalifornia Market Center

The California Market Center (CMC) has named Debra Gold the strategic communications consultant for Gift & Home, and Design. In her new position, Gold will use her expertise in a variety of strategic communications projects designed to build brand awareness and media relations for CMC areas on floors 12 and 13, C-Wing, and the Design Center on the CMC's 9th floor, C-Wing.

DesignWorks

Jessica Whitehead has been promoted to vice president of specialty sales at DesignWorks. Whitehead started working for DesignWorks' portfolio companies Paddywax and Olivina Napa Valley in 2011 as the national sales manager for both brands. In this position, she was responsible for sales management, marketing and communication efforts and training tied to independent retailers.