Do it Best names new vp-merchandising

Do it Best, the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based co-op, announced that Steve Markley has been named vp-merchandising.

Markley, who previously served as Do it Best’s division merchandise manager for home/hardware, electrical, export and commercial/industrial, has been with the company for nine years. In addition to managing these departments, he was responsible for the creation of the global sourcing division and oversaw the opening of buying offices in mainland China and Hong Kong last year.

Markley has replaced Jay Brown, who recently assumed the role of vp-retail development.

Markley brings more than 24 years of industry experience to his new position, beginning as a summer employee at Do it Best’s former warehouse distribution center in Fort Wayne. He returned to the company in the mid-1980s and then worked in the vendor community and as a manufacturer’s representative before joining Do it Best again in 1998.

“From product knowledge and marketing to forecasting and distribution, Steve has the experience required and the drive to further refine our strategy of providing members with a wide range of merchandising opportunities to help them be more successful,” said Bob Taylor, president and CEO for Do it Best. “His exposure to Do it Best Corp. goes back a long way, and it’s nice to have another person on our leadership team with that history. I look forward to what he will bring to the position.”