Long-time Company Executive Ben Maxwell and Newly-Hired Industry Veteran Doug Bowen to Lead Regional Sales Teams
Massachusetts-based AIS, the largest manufacturer of commercial office furniture and seating in New England, announced the realignment of its sales team now comprised of two geographic regions – the eastern and western United States.
As a nimble leader in the commercial office furniture industry, AIS continues to adapt and evolve in response to today’s changing workplace needs. To further serve our dealers and customers, the company announced plans for a more robust sales organization.
Known for its strong team culture and lean operational structure, AIS is well-versed in flexible and responsive leadership. Noting a talented team at headquarters working collaboratively with field representatives and dealer partners, the realignment draws on the many strengths of those within the company and a fresh, senior industry perspective from a new team member. The strong and highly resourceful sales team is now being led by two senior vice presidents of sales, Ben Maxwell in the east and Doug Bowen in the west.
Championing the strategic realignment is AIS president, Nick Haritos who was named company president last June. “In the months since I assumed leadership, I continue to be impressed by our outstanding teams who make our company what it is – a proven leader in the office furniture industry. This sales realignment will further enhance our responsiveness to our dealer partners and position us for strong, continued growth even in the face of market uncertainty.”
Despite the volatile and unpredictable economic climate, it has been an exciting and busy year at AIS as the company continues to outperform the industry. The company launched new products including Revere and Essex task seating, Matrix and Divi system enhancements, private office enhancements, and six new laminate choices. The company’s leadership attributes this to the dynamic teams and their ability to respond quickly to changing workplace needs and economic challenges.
Having joined AIS in 2000, Ben Maxwell, senior vice president of sales for the eastern region, has long been an integral part of the company’s executive team. With a 21+ year tenure at AIS, Maxwell has worn many hats and logged many miles leading a large part of the sales team including leveraging strategic sales initiatives and helping to grow the company into the enterprise that it is today. Now focused on business located east of the Mississippi River, Ben will work closely with his counterpart, Bowen, to grow sales and empower dealers. In addition to leading key corporate goals and strategies, Maxwell also leads the GSA team. Maxwell earned his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Carol School of Management at Boston College.
“AIS is truly a team-driven company with some of the most talented people in the industry and the new structure will build on our successes and optimize the performance of our entire organization,” remarked Maxwell. “Going into the new year with our current sales momentum, the timing is right, and I am confident that this move will further accelerate our growth.”
New to AIS but a veteran of the industry, Doug Bowen, Senior Vice President of Sales – Western Region, now leads the sales team located west of the Mississippi River in the role of Senior Vice President of Sales. He will focus much of his time on building, developing, and retaining a high-performing sales team with a dealer-centric approach. Doug will also foster customer relationships and drive vertical market penetration as he leads market share growth for AIS. Doug holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Boston College and has industry experience at both the dealer and manufacturer levels. Prior to joining AIS, Doug was the south sales director for Global Furniture Group and the director of sales, southeast region for Haworth.
Bowen has hit the ground running. When asked about his initial thoughts just a few weeks into his new role, he stated, “I couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of the team at AIS. We have a talented group that is collectively focused on providing the very best service and solutions to our dealers. My confidence in the organization and my optimism for its continued growth couldn’t be stronger. I am honored to be leading the sales team with Ben and we have many good things ahead.”
“We believe this new structure will not only streamline the sales process for our dealers, but it will also create more opportunities,” stated Haritos. “Ben and Doug will work in tandem to leverage our already robust presence in the industry, ensuring that we better meet the needs of our dealers and help them succeed. Together, they will develop new strategies and invest in new markets that have the greatest opportunities for us.”