HOLLYWOOD, FL – The Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) has appointed Todd Dittman as executive director. He will succeed Klein Merriman, who will retire in August.

Dittman will lead A.R.E. and manage PAVE, the industry educational foundation, and the Retail Design Institute. He has more than 20 years experience in marketing and finance.

A.R.E. Board of Directors President Alan Harvill, also president and CEO of EMI Industries LLC, said in a statement, “Todd’s leadership experience will serve our association well through this transition and into the next growth years for both A.R.E. and the retail environments industry. He will build on the foundation laid by our executive director of 18 years, Klein Merriman."

Dittman added, "I am very excited to join A.R.E. My personal business philosophy is that you assure success by surrounding yourself with the best people. A.R.E. is built around this philosophy and exists to extend the benefits of a strong network to its members. Klein has done a terrific job surrounding himself with a talented team. I will continue our mission to advance the industry and success of our member companies with our members and dedicated staff."

A.R.E. is an international non-profit trade association for the retail environments industry. Members include store fixture suppliers, retail design firms, suppliers of visual merchandising products and suppliers of equipment and materials.