Holliman takes control of nation's largest residential furniture maker

Holliman

W.G. "Mickey" Holliman ('60) of Tupelo has been named president and chief executive officer of St. Louis-based Furniture Brands International Inc., which owns the Broyhill, Lane, and Thomasville furniture brands. Furniture Brands is the nation's largest manufacturer of residential furniture, with projected sales for 1996 of $1.7 billion.

Holliman formerly was president and CEO of Action Industries in Tupelo, a furniture manufacturing concern which he began in rented warehouse space 26 years ago. It has grown to annual sales of $400 million.

Holliman will maintain his home and separate offices in Tupelo for the time being and commute to Furniture Brands' St. Louis office. He says that one of his priorities as head of the corporation will be to continue gaining market share and consider acquisitions that fit the company's plans.