Williams-Sonoma's Lester To Retire

  • January 27, 2010
After taking Williams-Sonoma from four stores and a small catalog to a 630-unit empire, Howard Lester will retire as Chairman/CEO this May. Lester, who has been at the San Francisco-based since he acquired the brand 31 years ago, will be replaced by Laura Alber as CEO.

Alber joined Williams-Sonoma in 1995, and was made president in 2006. The company also says its board intends to tap lead independent director Adrian Bellamy as its non-executive chairman of the board. The company also owns such brands as Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Bed + Bath, and PBteen.--Sarah Mahoney

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