Williams-Sonoma names new board member

Williams-Sonoma has added some brand-building and specialty retail operations expertise to its board with the election of REI CEO Jerry Stritzke.

“We are thrilled to have Jerry join our board,” said Adrian Bellamy, chairman of the board of Williams-Sonoma Inc. “He brings extensive specialty retail experience that we believe will add great value to our board.”

Stritzke has served as the president and CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the nation's largest outdoor co-operative, since September 2013. Prior to REI, Stritzke served as the president and CEO of Coach, Inc. from 2008 to 2013. From 1997-2007, Stritzke held several executive positions with Limited Brands, Inc., most recently as COO and co-leader of Victoria’s Secret. During his career with Limited Brands, Stritzke also served as CEO of a subsidiary company, Mast Industries, which handled all aspects of apparel production and sourcing for both the Limited Brands companies and other leading specialty retail brands.

Laura Alber, president and CEO of Williams-Sonoma, joined Bellamy in welcoming Stritzke to the board.

"Jerry is a widely respected leader in specialty retail, and we believe his success in brand building, retail operations and global sourcing will bring tremendous insight to our board,” she said. “We are very excited that he is joining us.”

Williams-Sonoma operates eight banners -- Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm, PBteen, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham -- through e-commerce websites, direct mail catalogs and 618 stores.