Williams-Sonoma hires former Hallmark exec; announces management changes

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma has hired David Jimenez, former VP of visual store design and merchandising for Hallmark, as senior VP of visual store and experience. Prior to Hallmark, David worked at national retailers including Gap Inc., Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn.



“At Williams-Sonoma we are committed to offering unique in-store experiences to our customers,” said Janet Hayes, president of the Williams-Sonoma brand. “David is the right person to drive this focus and will lead us toward new innovation and continued growth for the brand.”



Williams-Sonoma has also shuffled and expanded the roles of three existing VP-level executives. Peter Sassi has been appointed senior VP, stores of the Williams-Sonoma brand. In his new role Sassi will continue to focus on customer relationships and evolving the in-store experience. For the past 10 years, Sassi has served as senior VP, inventory management, for the Williams-Sonoma brand.



Jeff Howie will now serve as the senior VP, inventory management and finance of the Williams-Sonoma brand. Howie brings more than 10 years of experience with the company, most recently as senior VP, inventory management, for the Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen brands. He has managed major company-wide projects, including the launch of the company’s global franchise operations.



John Trifoso is expanding his current role as senior VP, Pottery Barn inventory management, to lead the inventory management teams for the Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen brands.