WINNIPEG, MB – Palliser Furniture has appointed Mark Letain as the new chief operating officer for the large residential furnishings manufacturer. Letain rejoins Palliser after nearly 18 years at sister company EQ3, most recently as EQ3’s president. 

Letain will oversee Palliser’s Supply Chain and Logistics departments effective immediately. Manufacturing will continue to report to Peter Tielmann, CEO of Palliser Furniture Group for a transitionary period.

Along with his new role, Letain will continue to serve as president of EQ3 and manage the ongoing performance of the EQ3 organization. He replaces Philip Klassen, who will retire at the end of the month after 27 years with the company.

“I am excited to have Mark’s experience and leadership within these critical functional areas of our group,” Tielmann said. “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, logistical complexities, and thereby enhancing our customer experience overall.”

Per the company, Letain brings extensive education and experience in operations and logistics, and carries a Certified Professional Accounting Designation (CPA-CMA) through CPA Manitoba. He has earned two master’s degrees – the latest in 2018 in Logistics, Materials and Supply Chain Management from Penn State University, in addition to an MBA from the University of Manitoba.

Letain's career at Palliser Furniture dates back to 2002, as the Operations manager within its upholstery divisions. He later took the role of Category manager for Stationary Upholstery before transitioning to EQ3 in 2006 to lead the Upholstery Operations division. Following, he took on additional responsibilities within the EQ3 organization that culminated in his being appointed COO in 2016, then president in 2017.

“I am excited to be back at Palliser again and honored to be working with such a talented team,” said Letain. “As we look to the future where customer demands for great products and great 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.”

Founded in 1944 and headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Palliser Furniture is ranked #34 on the FDMC 300 list of the largest wood products producers in North America.