The Furniture Awards returns to the January Furniture Show in 2016 to highlight the best new products launched at the event.
The awards programme, created by Furniture News magazine in partnership with the show’s organiser, sees shortlisted entries assessed by a team of expert judges from the domestic furniture industry, before recognising three best-in-class launches across various price points.
The judging panel for the 2016 edition comprises: Maxim Romain, general manager for Wayfair Europe; visual merchandising consultant Andrew Durham; ACID CEO and co-founder Dids Macdonald OBE; and Malcolm Walker, director of buying for Furniture Village.
Ahead of the new edition, sponsored by bed specialist Dreams, Furniture News presents an opportunity to meet one of the judges …
Maxim Romain – general manager, Wayfair Europe
Maxim is responsible for the European growth of e-commerce giant Wayfair, and currently oversees its operations in the UK and Germany. Maxim joined Wayfair in 2010 as head of European operations, and successfully built a thriving logistics and supplier operations network across Europe, with a key focus on customer experience.
Prior to joining Wayfair, he held various management positions at French sports retailer Decathlon across Asia and Europe from 2002 to 2010.
“2015 was an exciting year for the furniture and interiors industry, seeing great innovation from many of its players – and I expect much more to come”
Maxim’s area of expertise is supply chain management and logistics, ensuring the customer is placed at the heart of the shopping experience and the overall operation.
“It’s a privilege to be part of the judging panel of The Furniture Awards – already renowned for recognising leading design and commercial success – this year. 2015 was an exciting year for the furniture and interiors industry, seeing great innovation from many of its players – and I expect much more to come.”
The Furniture Awards recognise the best new product unveiled at the January Furniture Show, across a range of price points. A team of judges from the world of furniture retail will assess the creative and commercial value of the shortlisted entries before highlighting those considered best in class before the entire industry. Open to January Furniture Show exhibitors only, the awards' deadline is Friday 11th December 2015 – visit the awards web page to enter.
