Turf Succeeds Segal at Crate & Barrel

Northbrook, Ill. — Crate and Barrel president Barbara Turf will succeed co-founder and ceo Gordon Segal as the company's new chief executive, effective May 1.

Turf has spent the majority of her career working with Segal on strategic direction for the company. Stepping back from daily operations, Segal will assume the title of chairman and will serve as a key advisor and counselor.

"I am thrilled and honored to be handed the reins by Gordon and lead this wonderful company," said Turf. "With rising consumer interest in well-designed, high-quality products at a great value, Crate and Barrel is well-positioned to continue our growth well into the future."

Crate and Barrel was co-founded by Gordon and Carole Segal in Chicago in 1962. Mr. Segal took the title of ceo in 1996, when he named Turf to succeed him as president. Crate and Barrel remained privately held until 1998, when Otto Versand GmbH, now Otto Group, acquired a majority holding in the company.

Today, with annual sales of more than $1.4 billion, the multi-channel retailer has 160 stores across the United States and plans to open its first international location later this year. In 2006, Crate recorded home textiles sales of $115 million, making its the 38th largest U.S. retailer of home textiles, according to HTT's annual Top 50 Retailers report.

Calling Turf "a retail visionary," Segal said: "I have relished every moment of the last 45 years. However, I also recognize that transition and change are key to the growth of any retail business, and I want to give Barbara Turf and other talented members of our executive team their well-deserved opportunity to take Crate and Barrel into the future."

Prior to becoming president of Crate and Barrel in 1996, Turf held the post of executive vp of merchandising and marketing for many years, maintaining responsibility for all aspects of product selection and branding.