Pier 1 Imports Inc., the Fort Worth-based home decor retailer, quietly elevated a familiar presence in the firm's legal department to the role of general counsel earlier this month. 

Ray McKown, who has worked as an in-house lawyer at the home furnishings and decor firm for 15 years, took over as the top lawyer, senior vice president and corporate secretary on Feb. 12. He succeeds Robert Bostrom, who died suddenly in January.  

A spokesman for Pier 1, responding to an email inquiry sent Tuesday, confirmed McKown's appointment on Wednesday afternoon but declined to provide additional information about McKown's promotion or make him available for an interview.