Rich Brinkman Announces Retirement From the FIESTA® Tableware Company

Newell, West Virginia – (March 13, 2023) – Following a long career in the housewares industry, Rich Brinkman announced his retirement as VP Sales & Marketing at The Fiesta Tableware Company earlier this year. Dana Brown, a former Macy’s and Bed Bath and Beyond executive, was hired as his replacement. Brinkman will officially retire on April 1, 2023. After nearly 18 years at The Fiesta Tableware Company, Brinkman helped introduce 19 of its 55 colors and develop more than 50 new products, including the following milestone projects: • 75th Anniversary Collection • Fiesta Square Collection • Bakeware Collection • Bistro Collection • nora fleming partnership, including three exclusive shapes paired with three nora fleming Fiesta minis • Instituting an extensive licensing program moving Fiesta beyond dinnerware into a comprehensive lifestyle brand • Building a strong drop ship presence and outlet store direction, becoming the brand’s strongest market position “My passion has always come from an uncanny ability to peer around corners, pulling back new concepts, trends and color; harnessing meaning and creativity from tidbits into bites. These then come together as full-blown concepts or collections to seek opportunities to drive growth,” says Brinkman. “No one works in a vacuum. I never could have accomplished all I have during my tenure at The Fiesta Tableware Company without a strong supportive factory of skilled laborers and artisans, a tremendous sales, creative marketing/social media team, and ownership that defines 4th and now 5th generations that provide faith, encouragement, and the financial support that makes newness work.” Brinkman started his career in January 1977 in Columbus, Ohio, running a JCPenney catalog desk while still in college; throughout 27 years, he worked his way up through the ranks of the company. In 2003, he moved to the wholesale side of the market, joining the Pfaltzgraff Company as Director of Product. “We thank Rich for his dedication, leadership and impact he has made on our company for nearly 18 years,” says Liz McIlvain, President of The Fiesta Tableware Company. “I and many others feel privileged to have worked with Rich and benefited from his expertise. We are enormously grateful for his many contributions to The Fiesta Tableware Company, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.” “Rich is an accomplished merchant, buyer, sourcing expert, licensor, sales and marketing guru, color whisperer, and decisive leader,” says Laurie Burns, Executive Director, Gift and Home Trade Association. “Most importantly, he is loyal and generous. He always finds the time to listen, share, give back, and assist others in the industry. As a visionary in the dinnerware industry, he’s always had a pulse on how the consumer dines… and aptly aimed for where they were going to meet them with just the right products.” About Fiesta® Dinnerware, Made In The USA Designed by Frederick Hurten Rhead in 1936, Fiesta Dinnerware is among the most collected dinnerware in the world. Colorful and iconic Fiesta Dinnerware is lead safe and dishwasher, microwave and oven safe. Fiesta has quality durability with an unprecedented 5-year chip replacement warranty. For more information, visit: fiestafactorydirect.com. Also visit Fiesta on Instagram: @fiestadinnerware, Facebook: Fiesta Dinnerware, Pinterest: Fiesta Dinnerware and TikTok: @fiestadinnerware. About The Fiesta Tableware Company Founded in 1871 and renamed in 2020, The Fiesta® Tableware Company is known for Fiesta®, the colorful brand of dinnerware that has been made in the USA since 1936. For more information about The Fiesta Tableware Company, visitfiestatableware.com.