DWR Promotes 4 Executives

July 8, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on July 9, 2010 Contemporary home furnishings retailer Design Within Reach (OTC: DWRI.PK) has promoted four executives to strengthen its team.

The promotions will impact merchandising, marketing, sales and studio systems and processes.

Bethany Kemp has been named vice president of studio systems, process and procedures. Prior to her promotion, Kemp was director of studio operations. During her tenure with Design Within Reach, she has worked in the call center and IT systems manager.

In her new position, Kemp is responsible for implementing new policies, procedures and company initiatives to support the retailer's sales and service, as well as overseeing the call center and operations teams.

Kari Woldum has been named vice president of merchandising and leads a team of six buyers and assistant buyers. She works with John Edelman, president and CEO, to develop the retailer's product line and overall brand message for the company.

During her four years with the company, Woldum has worked as an assistant buyer and in an number of different product areas, including upholstery, bedroom, flooring, seating and dining.
She also co-developed the company's Tools For Living concept in 2009.

Sandra Hansel spent five years as DWR's regional director of sales for New York and the Northeast before taking on her new role as vice president of sales. In addition to her national responsibilities, she will continue to oversee the New York region. Prior, she was sales manager for Baker Furniture, and she has an extensive retail background, including work for Limited Brands.

Michael Sainato was Design Within Reach art director from 2005 to 2008, and after taking time off to teach at MFA Graphic Design Department at San Francisco's Academy of Art University, has rejoined the company as vice president of creative and marketing. Sainato's career in retail began at Esprit De Corp, and later as senior art director for the Smith & Hawken and J.Crew catalogs.

In his new role, Sainato is responsible for the look and feel of the company, including Studios, Web site, marketing and advertising. 

"Each of these new appointees brings ability, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to their respective roles," said John Edelman, president and CEO. "They have all contributed greatly to our past success and will be instrumental as we continue to build the brand and improve the profitability of the company."