Robert J. Maricich
Robert Maricich transformed the furnishings industry’s B2B Market and tradeshow network with the formation of International Market Centers. IMC is now the world’s largest host of permanent showroom and exhibition space for the furniture, home décor, gift and apparel industries. In 2011, he led the merger of the World Market Center Las Vegas with the iconic International Home Furnishings Center, Showplace, Market Square and other landmark showroom buildings in High Point. In 2018, he led the merger with AmericasMart and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, expanding its industry footprint to more than 20 million sq. ft.
Mr. Maricich led the creation of a unified culture of innovation, collaboration and growth, focused on a common purpose: to develop effective, efficient and compelling platforms for B2B commerce. In addition, IMC has made unprecedented investments in its properties, the market experience and support of the furnishings industry and local communities. Recently, under his leadership as IMC founder, chairman and CEO, the company launched IMC Digital Innovations, a global digital marketplace for buyers and sellers.
Mr. Maricich has served as President and CEO of Century Furniture, driving innovations that elevated the company into a leading luxury furniture manufacturer. Previously, Mr. Maricich was the President and CEO of American Drew and American of Martinsville, at the time the largest manufacturer of hospitality furniture in North America. He has held various senior management and board positions with Flexsteel Industries, Inc., where he founded and rapidly grew their contract business.
An industry champion, Mr. Maricich has served in leadership roles on the boards of the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation, American Home Furnishings Alliance, National Home Furnishings Association, North Carolina Furniture Export Council, City of Hope, Opportunity Village, Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Virginia Museum of Natural History. He has encouraged his companies to support numerous community organizations and been honored with the Anti-Defamation League American Heritage Distinguished Service Award and the Icon Award from the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association.