by Rebecca Reeder is joining the company as president of its retail store network
MONROE, Mich. — La-Z-Boy has announced several appointments in its executive leadership team, including the hiring of a new president of the company’s furniture galleries.
Rebecca Reeder is joining the company as president of Retail La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, a position currently held by Tj Linz, who is being promoted to president of Portfolio Brands with the retirement of Otis Sawyer.
In her new position, Reeder will oversee and have P&L responsibility for the retail segment, including 168 of the company’s 346 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries stores. She also will have responsibility for sales to the remaining independently owned gallery stores, “driving alignment of the consumer experience throughout the entire network.”
She comes to the company from Chico’s FAS, where she is currently senior vice president of retail for Soma, White House Black Market and Chico’s, where she also is responsible for customer care center sales and visual merchandising. Prior to joining Chico’s, she held various retail, marketing and merchandising leadership roles at Pacific Sunwear, Bebe, Express, American Eagle Outfitters and Abercrombie & Fitch. She joins La-Z-Boy on April 17.
“We are thrilled to have an executive of Rebecca’s caliber join La-Z-Boy Inc.,” said Melinda D. Whittington, president and chief executive officer of La-Z-Boy Inc. “She brings with her years of executive experience leading strong retail brands that ignite customer advocacy and sustain loyalty. Additionally, with expertise in building high-performing teams and driving operational execution, we look forward to her leadership as we champion the growth of the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network as a key part of our Century Vision growth strategy.”
Reeder said she is excited to join the company at such a pivotal point in its history.
“As it executes Century Vision with a focus on expanding the La-Z-Boy brand reach, retail stores will play a central role in the process,” she said. “I’m thrilled to lead the store expansion initiative while capitalizing on the brand’s amazing attributes of comfort, quality and durability as we further enhance the end-to-end consumer experience. I look forward to working with a talented team across the organization.”
The company also has announced the planned retirement of Keith Wilson, president of La-Z-Boy International and Joybird. The company said he will move to special projects to support transitions throughout the summer.
Tj Linz will assume responsibility for Joybird, which is part of his previously announced promotion to become president, Portfolio Brands, succeeding Otis Sawyer upon his retirement.
In addition, Robert Sundy, senior vice president and chief commercial officer, is expanding his role to become president, La-Z-Boy Brand, which adds the company’s international La-Z-Boy branded operations to his position.
“It is with mixed emotion that we announce the retirement of Keith Wilson, president International and Joybird,” Whittington said. “Throughout Keith’s seven-year tenure, he played a key role in building the La-Z-Boy brand internationally and led the acquisition of Furnico, our U.K.-based manufacturing operation. More recently, Keith has also been responsible for leading Joybird, our direct-to-consumer upholstery company acquired in 2018. We thank Keith for his many contributions to La-Z-Boy Inc. and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
“With the addition of Rebecca and related realignment of responsibilities across the team, the executive team is well positioned to lead the next chapter of our iconic, 96-year-old company as we execute our Century Vision strategy for long-term profitable growth. I’m proud of our team and the accomplishments to date, and even more excited for what’s ahead,” Whittington said.
