Williams-Sonoma Appoints Paula Pretlow to Board of Directors

August 5, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

“We are thrilled to have Paula join our board. Paula has notable leadership experience from some of the world’s largest financial institutions,” said Laura Alber, president and chief executive officer. “That experience, combined with her commitment to giving back to the community, which aligns with Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s own values, makes her a valuable addition to our Board.”

Scott Dahnke, board chair, joined Alber in welcoming Pretlow. “We are delighted to welcome Paula to the Board. Her expertise helping company leaders maximize shareholder and stakeholder value will contribute to Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s continued success,” said Dahnke.

Pretlow is a former senior vice president of The Capital Group, where she led the firm's public fund business development and client relationship group. Prior to joining The Capital Group, she worked for Montgomery Asset Management and Blackrock (formerly Barclays Global Investors). She began her career as a corporate banker with Wells Fargo Bank.

Pretlow is a member of the board of directors and the audit committees of Ares Dynamic Credit Allocation Fund, Inc. and Vroom, Inc., and a member of the board of directors of Bitwise Industries. She is also an independent trustee and audit committee chair for Cion Ares Diversified Credit Fund. In addition, she currently serves as a member of the board of trustees of The Kresge Foundation, The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, and Northwestern University. Ms. Pretlow holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration, both from Northwestern University, and is a 2017 fellow of Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute.