Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
US housewares chain retailer Crate &Barrel has announced a change in its top leadership.
Following the recent resignation of chief execurtive officer (CEO) Sascha Bopp, the company’s chief operations officer (COO) and chief financial officer (CFO) Adrian Mitchell has assumed interim leadership of the Chicago-based company.
Sascha Bopp stepped down after two years in the post and five years with the group. He was promoted to CEO in April 2012 following the retirement of CEO and president Barbara Turf. Prior to joining Crate and Barrel in 2009, Sacha was managing director and chief financial officer at German multi-channel retailer Primondo GmbH.
A search is underway to fill the role vacated by Sacha. Crate & Barrel said the position will concentrate on supporting the company’s evolving business strategy and include a deepened focus on the customer experience and growth in the digital space.
Adrian Mitchell joined Crate & Barrel as CFO in 2010 and was promoted to COO in February 2014. During his tenure, Adrian’s responsibilities have expanded to include global supply chain operations, real estate, international retail and e-commerce operations. He joined from Target Corporation, where he served as director of strategy and interactive design, overseeing the brand’s e-commerce customer experience and store integration. He also held the post of director of innovation and productivity, leading efforts to improve store experience. Adrian began his career at McKinsey & Company where he spent eight years as a retail consultant, working with companies around the globe.
Hans-Otto Schrader, CEO of Otto Group, the Crate & Barrel parent company, and chairman of the Crate & Barrel board of directors, commented: “For more than 50 years, Crate & Barrel has been a trusted home furnishings brand for customers around the globe. We remain focused on Crate & Barrel’s core strengths of great design, value and customer service, and are confident in the executive team’s ability to lead us into the future.”
Adrian Mitchell added: “With a long history of careful management and growth, Crate & Barrel is well positioned for international and domestic expansion. Our executive team also looks forward to exploring new opportunities for innovation and improving our customer experience, especially in the digital space.”
