Williams-Sonoma hires Ronald L. Young to lead its global expansion, with title of senior VP, global; Young's experience includes stints at PepsiCo, Gap, Express, Children's Place

Cindy Allen

SAN FRANCISCO , July 17, 2014 (press release) – Home Furnishings Leader Appoints Top Retail Executive to Lead Global Expansion

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM) today announced the hiring of Ronald R. Young as Senior Vice President, Global. A highly talented executive, Young will grow the portfolio of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brands outside the United States. The announcement was made by Laura Alber, President and Chief Executive Officer, Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

“Global expansion is one of our most important initiatives, and I’m pleased to have Ron Young, with his more than 30 years experience in global markets, leading our continued growth”

“Global expansion is one of our most important initiatives, and I’m pleased to have Ron Young, with his more than 30 years experience in global markets, leading our continued growth,” said Laura Alber. “Ron’s deep understanding of the global retail landscape, and his financial discipline are the ideal combination of skills and experience to lead our global strategy.”

Reporting directly to Alber, Young will work in partnership with Williams-Sonoma, Inc. brand presidents at Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and West Elm to grow each brand’s global business. Alber said Young will expand the network of company-owned stores, eCommerce sites and franchise partnerships worldwide.

“I’m thrilled to join Williams-Sonoma, Inc. as the company continues its global expansion,” commented Young. “I look forward to being part of the team bringing these iconic brands, with their exceptional products, unique experiences and world class service, to customers around the world.”

Young’s extensive experience in global markets includes positions at Pepsi-Cola, Gap, Inc., Express, and most recently Children’s Place.

ABOUT WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home. These products, representing eight distinct merchandise strategies – Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham – are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct mail catalogs and 589 stores. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. currently operates in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, offers international shipping to customers worldwide, and has unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in the Middle East and the Philippines.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements related to the success of our global expansion strategy. The risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include the risk that we are not able to continue to execute our global expansion strategy as planned. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2014 and all subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Contacts

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.
Patrick J. Connolly, 415-616-8746
EVP, Chief Marketing Officer
-or-
LaForce + Stevens
Olita Mills, 212-242-9353

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