Crate & Barrel taps former Williams-Sonoma exec as new CEO

Crate & Barrel has named a new chief executive — its fourth in six years.

The home furnishings retailer appointed Janet Hayes as CEO, effective August 1. Last week, Crate & Barrel announced that Neela Montgomery, who has served as CEO since 2017, was leaving to pursue other opportunities.

Hayes is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of retail experience, with deep expertise in the home category. She served as president of the Williams-Sonoma brand between 2013 and 2019 where she led the successful turnaround of the business, according to a Crate & Barrel statement. Prior to William Sonoma, Janet was president of Pottery Barn Kids and Teen.

Hayes’ career also includes positions at companies such as Nike, Gap and Macy's. Her international experience extends to the Middle East, Korea and Australia and, more recently, Europe through partnerships with Fortnum&Mason, Thomas Browne and Harrods. 

“Janet not only comes with a great understanding of the U.S. customer in the home category with deep product knowledge and a passion for the shopping experience, but she is also a thoughtful and inspiring leader,” said Sergio Bucher, member of the executive board of the Otto Group, owner of Crate & Barrel, and chairman of the supervisory board of Crate and Barrel. “She will help us strengthen the position of Crate and Barrel as a design-led, lifestyle company in the market."

Crate and Barrel Holdings, whose brands include Crate and Barrel, CB2, Crate and Kids and Hudson Grace, over more than 100 Crate and Barrel and CB2 stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, with franchise locations in nine countries.