5.1.12 | New York, NY | Karen Pearse, founder of Innovative Stone, joins Stone Source as President of the company’s new division: Stone Source Direct.

As President of Stone Source Direct, Ms. Pearse and her team will service and supply major brands across the globe, primarily within the hospitality and retail markets. The team will provide product expertise, project management and dedicated customer service to national and global accounts. Since many of these companies rely on architects and designers to help select finish palates for their “standards”, Stone Source is uniquely positioned to leverage the existing relationships the company has with the architects and designers who also focus on this segment.

“We are pleased to announce Karen Pearse as the President of our new division, Stone Source Direct,” says Joe MacIsaac, President and CEO of Stone Source. “The retail and hospitality segments offer us a great opportunity for growth, and Karen has a unique ability to service these markets. Karen’s focus, leadership and long-lasting strategic partnerships will make her an incredible asset. Her passion for the industry and creative problem solving skills will benefit our organization. We are committed to supporting Karen with the staff and resources she requires to turn this new division into a success.”

Ms. Pearse built Innovative Stone into a $150 million business. She has 30 years of experience building trust among multiple national and international brands, including: Macy's, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Victoria’s Secret, Gap and Disney. She has successfully completed architectural stone projects throughout the world, including: Time Warner Center NY USA, Gap China, La Senza (worldwide), Watches of Switzerland (UK), Palace of the Lost City (South Africa), Myers (Australia), and Odakyu (Japan).

“Over the past few decades, Karen has pioneered the industry. I’ve seen her evolve into a personal brand; a brand that has the trust of some of the world’s most respected retailers, myself included,” says Marvin Traub of Marvin Traub Associates.

A few of Ms. Pearse’s accolades and prestigious organizations to which she belongs include:

• Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award
• Among the top 10 Crain’s largest Woman-Owned Companies in the New York area
• March of Dimes “Woman of Distinction Award”
• American Heart Association “Go Red for Women” Award
• YPO (Young Presidents Organization) 20 + years

“In evaluating a new leadership role, it was critical for me to align myself with a company that has a customer-centric focus,” says Ms. Pearse. “Building and developing long-lasting relationships requires consistent excellence on every level. Stone Source shares my philosophy of intense customer focus. By combining this focus with the company’s impressive resources, cutting edge products, global logistics, national warehousing and best-practices, we will tailor products and services to meet our customers’ needs. I am proud and excited to be a part of Stone Source.”