First-Ever Non-Family Member Named as Tepperman’s CEO

For the first time in Tepperman’s nearly 100-year history, a non-family member has been named CEO.

Long-time employee Masoud Negad was promoted to the position Oct. 10, after more than 35 years with the Canadian independent home furnishings retailer.

“I am confident that Masoud’s leadership will take Tepperman’s to new heights, while staying true to the values that have defined us as the best place to work and shop for nearly a century,” says president Andrew Tepperman.

Negad joined Tepperman’s in 1987, after emigrating from Iran through India to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., where he first worked as a chef and eventually moved to Chatham, Ont., as a restaurant manager. Listening to the laughter and stories of Chatham Tepperman’s employees at the restaurant moved him to apply for a selling position.

Within just a few years, Negad became general manager of the Sarnia, Ont., store, and in 1995, he relocated to the retailer’s head office in Windsor, Ont., where he served as the company’s main appliance and electronics buyer and then director of supply chain. In 2012, he moved up to the executive management team, assuming the role of vice-president of operations and supply chain, and in 2016, he was named COO.

Throughout his tenure, Negad has been dedicated to furthering his education in support of his career. In 2005, he earned his masters in business administration from Heriot-Watt University, followed by his doctorate in 2018, from Walden University.

Today, Negad leads a team of seven vice-presidents, operating in seven markets under the Tepperman’s and Outlet at Tepperman’s brands. He is responsible for the overall direction of the company, including growth, risk mitigation, decision-making and culture.

“It’s an honour to be able to promote a 36-year highly intelligent and passionate veteran into the CEO position”, says Tepperman, who also serves as executive chairman. “His background, life and industry experiences, strong regard for the company’s mission, vision and values, and a proven track record to continuously improve himself and Tepperman’s strengthens the entire organization for the future. He understands the importance of people to our success — both with our customers and employees”.

Tepperman’s is a third-generation, family-owned furniture, appliance, mattress, electronic and decor retailer with locations across southern Ontario, including Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Ancaster, Sarnia, Chatham and St. Catharines. The company will celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2025.