Restoration Hardware taps Friedman for ceo

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/26/2001 12:00:00 AM

CORTE MADERA, CA -Only a week after announcing his departure as president and coo from Williams-Sonoma, Gary Friedman has been named ceo of Restoration Hardware, and joins the company's board of directors.

Founder Stephen Gordon remains chairman, but is relinquishing his ceo role. Tom Christopher, president, coo and a director, is leaving the company to pursue other interests.

"This is a great day for Restoration Hardware, as we welcome one of the most talented executives in the industry as our new ceo," said Gordon. "Gary Friedman has worked in retail for 24 years. He has deftly positioned and managed multiple retail brands and multiple channels and is widely considered to be the creative leader behind some of the country's most successful home furnishings retailing concepts. I personally am looking forward to working side by side with Gary to craft an expanded vision and execute a business plan to launch Restoration Hardware into its next level of profitable growth."

Friedman worked at Williams-Sonoma for 13 years, beginning as vp of retail operations in 1988. He was later named chairman in 1993, and president and coo in May 2000.