New Leadership Roles at Williams-Sonoma

July 9, 2013  by Home Furnishing Business in Executive Changes, Industry   

The San Francisco-based company also announced new leadership roles for three of its senior vice presidents.
 
“As we continue to drive performance for the company’s portfolio of multi-channel brands, our strong emphasis and commitment to top executive talent within our namesake and core brands is fundamental to our position as a category leader,” said Laura Alber, Williams-Sonoma’s president and CEO.
 
Jimenez previously served as vice president for visual merchandising and store design at Hallmark, supporting the company’s store evolution efforts and helping it improve performance through new levels of customer engagement. Prior to Hallmark, he worked at national retailers including Gap Inc., Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn.

“At Williams-Sonoma we are committed to offering unique in-store experiences to our customers,” said Janet Hayes, president of the Williams-Sonoma brand. "David is the right person to drive this focus and will lead us toward new innovation and continued growth for the brand."  
 
Peter Sassi  has been appointed senior vice president, stores, of the Williams-Sonoma brand.  In his new role Sassi will continue to bring strategic insights, deepen customer relationships and evolve the in-store experience. For the past 10 years, Sassi has served as senior vice president, inventory management, for the Williams-Sonoma brand. He has been a vital partner to the stores team, demonstrating a passion for engagement with field management and a strong understanding of the Williams-Sonoma customer.
 
Jeff Howie  will now serve as the senior vice president, inventory management and finance of the Williams-Sonoma brand. Howie brings more than 10 years of experience with the company as a strategic and detail-oriented leader, most recently as senior vice president, inventory management, for the Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen brands. He has managed major company-wide projects, including the launch of the company’s global franchise operations. Howie has been an integral partner in helping grow the Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen brands.

John Trifoso  is expanding his current role as senior vice president, Pottery Barn inventory management, to lead the inventory management teams for the Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen brands.

“John has been with the company for nine years and has led the Pottery Barn inventory team through a period of unprecedented growth," said Sandra Stangl, president of the Pottery Barn brands. :This move to consolidate inventory for the Pottery Barn brands will enhance the company’s ability to meet customers’ needs at every life stage."