Williams-Sonoma Promotes Jeff Howie to Chief Financial Officer

September 15, 2022  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

During his 20-year tenure Howie has held key executive leadership roles for the Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen brands. Most recently, Howie has served as Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s executive vice president, chief administrative officer overseeing finance, inventory, and outlets across the Pottery Barn brands, as well as real estate, store development, corporate facilities, and business to business for all of Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Howie is replacing Julie Whalen, who has been named chief financial officer of Expedia Group. She had been Williams-Sonoma’s CFO since 2011 and has served on Expedia’s board of directors since 2019.

“Jeff Howie has been instrumental in orchestrating the success of several of our key business initiatives over the years,” said Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma Inc, “Jeff’s financial acumen, institutional knowledge, operational expertise, and foundational contributions to our growth initiatives make him uniquely qualified to become WSI’s next CFO.”

Added Alber, “We are grateful to Julie for her 21 years of service at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. including the past 11 years where she held the position of CFO. We wish her the best as she embarks on her next adventure in the travel industry. Her contributions to our company have helped pave the path for WSI’s continued success for years to come.”