DUBUQUE, Iowa - Flexsteel Industries Inc. has appointed Jerald K. Dittmer president and CEO of the residential and contract furniture provider. The appointment is effective Dec. 28.

Dittmer will be also appointed to Flexsteel's Board of Directors effective Dec. 28. Flexsteel is one of the largest upholstered and wood furniture manufacturers, importers and marketers in the United States.

Dittmer is a longtime industry veteran, including more than 25 years at HNI Corp. and its office furniture subsidiaries.

“After conducting a thorough search and interviewing many qualified candidates, Jerry Dittmer was the clear and unanimous choice of our Board of Directors to become the eighth corporate president in Flexsteel’s 125-year history,” said Flexsteel Chairman Thomas M. Levine. “Jerry’s industry knowledge and operational leadership at one of the largest and most successful US furniture companies will uniquely position our company for enhanced growth, performance and shareholder value creation while maintaining the culture that has been the hallmark of Flexsteel since its inception.”

“I am honored to join an organization that has a long history of product innovation and customer service,” said Dittmer. “I am excited about the prospects for growth within the furniture industry and am confident that Flexsteel is well positioned for continued growth and shareholder value by exceeding our customer’s expectations with a quality product.”

As president of the HON Co. Dittmer grew the company’s e-commerce initiatives from infancy to a significant revenue and profit contributor. He also led a strategic acquisition that enabled next day shipping of value-priced seating and simple furniture solutions while developing an expansive offering of unique on-trend products to the market through e-tailers, independent dealers and national supply dealers. Also, during Dittmer's tenure as HNI Corp. chief financial officer, the global contract furniture firm rose from fifth to second ranked in the industry.

Founded in 1893 and headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa, Flexsteel (NASDAQ: FLXS) provides a range of furniture for the residential, hotel, healthcare, recreational vehicle, marine and office markets.