Haritos to become CEO on June 1^st as AIS poises itself for continued growth and increased market share.

AIS announced that the company’s co-founder and CEO, Bruce Platzman will turn the role of chief executive officer over to the company’s president Nick Haritos on June 1, 2022. Platzman, together with co-founder Arthur Maxwell, began AIS more than 32 years ago and grew the company into one of the largest office furniture manufacturers in the country. With over $200 million in annual sales, 800+ employees and a strong nationwide dealer network, AIS is poised for even more growth.

Revenue and size are not the only measures of success for Platzman. From the beginning, he has made it a priority to share the company’s accomplishments with those around him. Investing in the community by making financial and in-kind donations along with sharing his time and talent have always been of utmost importance to this highly successful entrepreneur and benefactor.

The transition takes place a year after Haritos assumed the presidency and four years after he began at AIS as the executive vice present of sales. Haritos has 30+ years of experience in the commercial office market working at major manufacturers and key dealerships.

According to Platzman, “Nick’s extraordinary leadership combined with his vast industry experience have equipped him for this critical position and I am confident he’ll excel in every way. There is nothing but opportunity ahead for the company and AIS is in good hands.”

Bruce Platzman

SHIFT IN FOCUS FOR PLATZMAN

Since its inception, philanthropy has been an important part of AIS’ DNA and a passion for Platzman. In his evolving role he will devote his time and efforts to giving back to the New England communities the company serves. He will further strengthen AIS’ presence with the United Way of North Central Massachusetts and Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, organizations that have been long-supported by Platzman and AIS and where he serves as a director on both of their boards.

Platzman is already actively involved in several organizations that work to strengthen the region’s economic health and prosperity through business advocacy, business-friendly policy, and creating public-private partnerships. The shift in focus will allow him to become even more active in these organizations including serving on the board of MassEcon, a statewide alliance of private and public sector partners, who support economic development in the commonwealth. He is also on the board of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce where he provides oversight and guidance to the chamber serving 35 cities and towns in Central Massachusetts. Platzman will also continue his long-time involvement with his home chamber, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce where he is a board member.

“There is tremendous work to be done and I’m convinced that AIS can continue to play an important role in this area. My New England roots are deep and my love for AIS is strong. I look forward to dividing my time in ways that will help the company continue to grow and that will position AIS to give back even more to the communities we serve,” stated Platzman.

SUCCESSION PLANNING PROVIDES FOR A SEAMLESS TRANSITION

Nick Haritos

The company recognizes the importance of strategic succession planning to ensure continued leadership across AIS and throughout the extensive dealer channel. With a strong leadership team of industry veterans, specifically from the dealer sector, AIS is well-known for its corporate culture and putting dealers first. Both Platzman and Haritos come from dealer backgrounds and understand firsthand what it takes to run a successful dealership.

With decades in the industry and a wealth of experience, the high-performance leadership team assembled by Platzman, shares the vision. Along with all members of the leadership team, the company’s chief operating officer, Steve Savage, who has been with AIS for 27 years, will remain in their respective roles. This stellar team, soon to be led by Haritos, will provide stability and a seamless transition.

As for Haritos’ take on AIS’ trajectory, he commented, “Arthur and Bruce created a special company with a unique ‘can do’ spirit that helps our dealer partners succeed. It’s a privilege to continue their work with our talented teams. It’s an honor to lead AIS and, with an evolving landscape and much opportunity ahead, it’s an exciting time.”

From the beginning, the growth of AIS has outpaced competitors and led the industry by serving its dealer customers better than any other manufacturer. AIS will continue to focus on new product introductions, speed and ease of doing business.