Palliser Announces Brand has New Chief Operating Officer

Mark Letain has returned to home furnishings manufacturer Palliser to take on the role of chief operating officer.

Letain spent the last nearly 18 years with sister company EQ3, most recently serving as the company’s president.

“I am honoured to be working with such a talented team,” says Letain. “As we look to the future where customer demands for great products and service will only continue to grow, I’m committed to the success of our operations team, ensuring Palliser’s supply chain is continuously striving to meet the increasing needs of our customers.”

Letain supersedes Philip Klassen as COO, who retired at the end of April after 27 years with the company.

In his new position, Letain will oversee Palliser’s supply chain and logistics departments. He  will also remain on as president of EQ3 and manage the ongoing performance of the EQ3 organization.

Manufacturing will continue to report to Peter Tielmann, CEO of Palliser, for a transitionary period.

“I am excited to have Mark’s experience and leadership within these critical functional areas of our group,” says Tielmann. “I trust in his ability to bring a fresh perspective and continue where Philip left off with continuous improvement of our time to market, service and logistical complexities, thereby enhancing our customer experience overall.”

Letain’s journey at Palliser began in 2002, as operations manager within the company’s upholstery divisions. Subsequently, he took the role of category manager for stationary upholstery before he transitioned to EQ3 in 2006, to lead the upholstery operations division. Letain soon assumed additional responsibilities that culminated in his being appointed COO in 2016, and then president in 2017.

Palliser has seen significant changes of late. In March, Steve Ambeau was promoted to president of the Palliser brand in an organizational shift.