From people leaving and joining rug companies to major international show updates, COVER provides the lowdown on what’s new in the rug and interiors world this week.
Mr Rao retires from Samad
After 35 years of dedicated service, SAMAD’s beloved Executive Vice President, Rao Siriki—affectionately known as Mr. Rao—has retired, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Since joining the company in 1990, he has been instrumental in its transformation from a small operation into a respected name in the rug industry, expertly overseeing warehouse operations and upholding the highest standards of quality. Joining the company is Melanie Samad, who into her new role will bring the valuable administrative experience gained from her previous position at the Metropolitan Museum.
COVER Connect New York updates
Visitors to COVER Connect New York can expect to see some new faces at the Metropolitan Pavilion and The Altman Building from 13–15 September. Joining the show for the first time are New Jersey-based brand Couristan and the Mumbai-based Kaleen. Making its return following a year away is Harcourt Collection. The party venue is also changing for the first time this year, for which further details will be announced in due course.
Domotex Hannover expansion
Starting in 2026, DOMOTEX Hannover will expand beyond flooring to include the entire interior finishing sector, adding categories like tiles, wall elements, coatings, and outdoor flooring, consequently establishing itself as the ‘Home of Flooring and Interior Finishing’. The show will adopt a biennial schedule, run Monday to Thursday, and introduce new themed areas to better serve professionals across retail, architecture and craftsmanship. The next edition will take place from 19–22 January 2026.
Bill Ward becomes CEO of Janus et Cie
Janus et Cie, a luxury outdoor furniture brand, has named Bill Ward as its new CEO. Ward most recently served as senior vice president of merchandise strategy and operations at RH. Before that, he held executive vice president positions at both ABC Carpet & Home and Stark Carpet. For more than 45 years, JANUS et Cie has been an industry leader in design-driven furnishings, known for its sophisticated aesthetic, innovative materials, and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
New product segment at Heimtextil
At Heimtextil 2025, the Carpets & Rugs section saw triple the number of exhibitors compared with the previous year. To complement this area next year, a new product segment, Flooring & Equipment—focused on floors ‘without a textile structure’—will be introduced. Available products include ‘elastic floor coverings, designer and luxury vinyl tiles, cork flooring, laminate, parquet and other wooden flooring, as well as outdoor floor coverings’. The two flooring sections will occupy halls 11.0 and 12.0 at Messe Frankfurt, 13–16 January 2026.
