Eric Parsons, a veteran in high-end furniture, has joined premium outdoor furniture manufacturer Jensen Leisure Furniture as vice president.

Parsons will provide strategic Sales and Business Development direction for the company in support of its intentions to significantly grow the reach and reputation of the brand across its multiple business channels. In this new position, Parsons will work closely with Hlodver Olafsson, president of Jensen Leisure Furniture.

“Jensen Leisure is a brand with a genuine, compelling story to share. It is a company that values the quality of its relationships as much as the quality of its products,” Parsons said, adding that he looks forward to working with the team and its partners as they grow in new and exciting directions.

With nearly 25 years of industry experience, Parsons has built a reputation for creating strong dealer partnerships, implementing strategies to optimize distribution channels, driving product development direction, and building a collaborative team environment.

Parsons came to Jensen Leisure Furniture from Gloster Furniture, where he served as president for the past 12 years. He previously served as vice president of Contract Sales for Brown Jordan, and was National Sales manager of Retail and Contract Sales for Woodard Furniture.

Additionally, he has held several industry leadership positions, including roles on the board of directors for both the American Home Furnishings Alliance (2015-2018) and the International Casual Furnishings Association (2009-2018), having served as the chairman of the ICFA in 2012. Parsons earned a BA in math education from Purdue University, and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

“Eric has proven himself as an industry leader,” said Olafsson. “He has significant executive-level experience working for some of the most respected premium outdoor brands. His joining our organization puts us in a fantastic position to further distinguish ourselves in the premium space.”

www.jensenleisurefurniture.com