Williams-Sonoma Inc., A San Francisco-based marketer, promoted Gary Friedman to president. As chief merchandising officer and president of the stores division, Friedman has been credited with revitalizing both Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma.
Other management changes include promoting Pat Connolly to chief marketing officer from executive vice president.
Connolly will now report to Friedman instead of Howard Lester, who has been chairman/CEO since he bought Williams-Sonoma from founder Chuck Williams in 1978. Friedman is seen by some observers as a possible successor to Lester.
The company also reported net earnings increased 48% to $4.8 million for the quarter ended April 30 from $3.3 million in the same quarter of 1999.
Direct marketing sales were $147.1 million, a 46.6% jump over last year.
First-quarter net sales grew 32.6% to $343 million (from $258.7 million in 1999). Retail sales were $195.9 million, a 23.7% increase over the first quarter last year.
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