San Francisco, CA, September 23—Retailer Williams-Sonoma said Thursday that Patrick Cowell, president of the Williams-Sonoma brand, will retire in March 2005.
Cowell will be working closely with chairman Howard Lester and chief executive Ed Mueller to ensure an effective transition. The company plans to begin a search for Cowell's replacement, both internally and externally, and expects to name a new brand head in the first quarter of 2005.
Williams-Sonoma markets home products through the Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, Hold Everything, West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home brands in 526 stores, eight mail-order catalogs and five Websites.
