Laura Alber

Williams-Sonoma

Laura Alber, CEO of Williams-Sonoma exceeds expectations by smartly managing different company software platforms through investments in technology, improved shipping methods, customer service, and other revenue producing sources. Laura joined Williams-Sonoma in 1995 as a senior buyer in the Pottery Barn subsidiary brand. Through a series of promotions, she became president of William Sonoma where she headed global supply chain, distribution, and logistics, preparing her for her role as CEO. Laura feels that WSI is set to outperform its lifestyle competitors because of their superior lifestyle merchandise, collaborative and creative culture, and international expansion plans. New market spaces WSI has entered to expand their multi-channel brand include Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, PBdorm, West Elm and West Elm Market, Mark and Graham, Rejuvenation and the WS Agrarian collection. Laura earned a B.A. in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and serves on the Board of Overseers for her alma mater’s College of Arts & Science.

Year appointed: 2010