From left: Outgoing IAFP president Dr Casey Loo hands over leadership of the alliance to vice president Imre Zilahi (Romania) and president Zeki Yucel (Turkey)

(Editor: Leona)

A new committee has been elected to direct the activities of the International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP), a global network of leading industry journals that aims to facilitate and inform business activities within the furniture sector.

At this year’s AGM, held during Expo Mueble Internacional Invierno in Guadalajara, Mexico, representatives from the member countries gathered to discuss the future of the association, and to deliver country-specific presentations during the concurrent World Furniture Summit.

The alliance’s new executive committee comprises: Zeki Yucel, president (Turkey); Imre Zilahi, vice president (Romania); Carlos Bessa, secretary general (Brazil); Paul Farley, marketing director (UK); and Milena Kirilova, web manager (Bulgaria). Takayoshi Nagashima (Japan) will remain the association’s treasurer.

The board has pledged to develop the presence and the activities of the alliance, building on the work of former president Dr Casey Loo (Singapore/Malaysia).

The IAFP is a tight-knit family comprising the world's premier furniture trade magazines,” explains new president Zeki Yucel. “Since our formation 18 years ago, the alliance has grown to boast a global network of 19 members, covering major furniture markets around the world.

“As the president, I am proud to be supported by a highly committed executive committee and many active members. I am confident that, as a group, we will be able to further our objective for greater exchange of information between members and markets, which is crucial to helping furniture businesses, agencies and organisations make effective decisions.

“We will continue to work towards our bigger goal of helping facilitate the growth of the furniture trade globally. Together with my colleagues, I invite the trade to work alongside us to help achieve this.”

The IAFP executive committee, elected in February 2015 (from left): Milena Kirilova; Zeki Yucel; Paul Farley; Carlos Bessa; and Imre Zilahi

For more information, visit  http://www.iafpalliance.com