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| Dec 16, 2009 |
Design Within Reach appoints new CEO and COO—both former executives of Edelman Leather
Boh staff
By Staff

Design Within Reach announced today that John Edelman, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Edelman Leather, a division of Knoll will join Design Within Reach as a Director, President and Chief Executive Officer in the new year.

During his 14-year tenure at Edelman Leather, six years as President and CEO, Edelman exponentially increased its brand awareness, sales and profits as the leading national provider of premium leather to the home furnishings industry. He was instrumental in leading the sale of his namesake company to Knoll in October 2007. Prior to joining Edelman in 1995, Mr. Edelman spent seven years at Sam & Libby, where he was responsible for its U.S. business.

DWR also hired John McPhee, formerly Chief Operating Officer of Edelman Leather, as Chief Operating Officer. Previously, McPhee held senior management positions with Candie's as President, and Sam & Libby as Executive Vice President. In addition to his consumer experience, Mr. McPhee has extensive real estate development and management expertise.

Glenn Krevlin, Chairman of DWR, said, "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. 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.'"

Mr. Krevlin added: "John McPhee is a seasoned operational executive who has a strong background in IT, logistics, real estate and finance. He will be an exceptional compliment and partner to John Edelman. My vision was to find leaders for DWR that foster a culture that is maniacally focused on servicing our clients and customers. This team will help us achieve these goals."

Mr. Edelman said, "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."

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