Williams-Sonoma Announces Internal Leadership Updates

January 30, 2023  by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry   

The promotion and alignment of these executives will create corporate synergies designed to deliver value for customers and shareholders and demonstrates the strength of the company’s leadership bench.

“Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is known for developing leaders and attracting the best talent in the industry,” said Williams-Sonoma, Inc. President and CEO, Laura Alber.

“This promotion of internal, long-tenured leaders with proven track records of delivering results, reflects the strength of our leadership bench. These leadership moves, coupled with our recent appointment of Day Kornbluth as the new President of West Elm, positions us with an incredibly strong team to deliver long-term growth and success for Williams-Sonoma, Inc.”

Pottery Barn President, Marta Benson will expand her current role to CEO of Pottery Barn Brands. In her new position, Benson will report to Williams-Sonoma, Inc. CEO, Laura Alber and oversee the Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen brands while remaining president of Pottery Barn.

During Benson’s 12 years with Williams-Sonoma, Inc., she has been instrumental in leading dynamic growth in Pottery Barn, positioning the brand with differentiated design offerings, while amplifying sustainability as a core value and driving the brand’s digital transformation.

Benson’s background in strategy and business development, coupled with her entrepreneurial track record, will help drive growth and synergies across the Pottery Barn family of brands.

Added Benson, “I am thrilled to step into this leadership role and drive stronger collaboration, synergies and new strategies for growth across the Pottery Barn Brands with these great teams.”

Jen Kellor, president, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen, will continue to lead the strategy and operations of Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen while reporting to Benson.

During her 25 years with Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Kellor has developed a proven track record of delivering results and successfully growing the Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen brands.

Michelle Hummel has been promoted to lead Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s Global Business, stepping into this role after serving as the interim leader since July 2022. Hummel has held various leadership roles in merchandising and business development across the brand portfolio during her 24-years with Williams-Sonoma, Inc., including serving as a key leader of the Global Business for the last 10 years.

The valuable expertise Hummel has acquired during her tenure uniquely positions her to drive profitable growth for Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s Global Business and franchise partners.

Abby Teisch has been promoted to lead Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s cross-brand marketing teams including Customer Relationship Management, Marketing Strategy and Analytics, Digital Marketing and Loyalty.

Teisch has been with Williams-Sonoma, Inc. for over 17 years and was recently appointed the interim leader of the Marketing teams following Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s former Chief Marketing Officer, Felix Carbullido’s promotion to president of the Williams Sonoma brand in July of 2022.

Teisch’s proven depth of marketing expertise and leadership will guide the Marketing teams into the next phase of company growth.

Added Alber, “This organizational re-alignment of tenured leaders who have proven excellence throughout their careers at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. positions our company to create corporate synergies designed to deliver value for our customers and shareholders.”