DWR Appoints Executives

Design Within Reach Inc. (San Francisco) has appointed John Edelman as a director, president and ceo, effective Jan. 3, 2010. Edelman, who was formerly president and ceo of Edelman Leather, a division of Knoll Inc., has more than 20 years experience with consumer-focused, lifestyle brands, including a 14-year tenure at Edelman Leather and seven years at Sam & Libby, Inc., where he was responsible for its U.S. business.

With his appointment, the company has also hired John McPhee as chief operating officer. McPhee was formerly chief operating officer of Edelman Leather, and has held senior management positions at Candie's Inc. and Sam & Libby.

“During the search process, the board met with many highly qualified candidates, but the search committee unanimously concluded that Edelman and McPhee were the perfect team to lead the future vision of DWR,” says Glenn Krevlin, chairman of DWR. “John Edelman is a charismatic, creative and team-oriented executive with an approachable style. He has a strong knowledge of and affinity for the modern home furnishings aesthetic and is considered to be an industry expert in 'modern.'”

On the appointment, Edelman says, “I am thrilled to be joining Design Within Reach, a company that is so passionate about the products it sells. I have always been impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication that the store associates have for the products and vendors they work with. John McPhee and I look forward to helping shape the new future of DWR.”

Design Within Reach provides modern design furnishings and accessories to both residential and contract customers through the internet, catalog and more than 67 retail locations in the U.S. and Canada.