Laura Alber

Total Retail’s seventh annual list of the leading female executives in retail features a who’s who in the industry. This year’s honorees were chosen based on a number of factors, including being in a top-level position within a retail organization, scope of responsibility within that position, career achievements, and involvement within the retail industry. Use this list as a resource to learn more about these retail leaders, from what characterizes their leadership style to who they turn to for advice to what they would be doing with their lives if they had not gotten involved in the retail business. It’s an introspective look at some of the brightest minds in our industry.

Total Retail’s seventh annual list of the leading female executives in retail features a who’s who in the industry. This year’s honorees were chosen based on a number of factors, including being in a top-level position within a retail organization, scope of responsibility within that position, career achievements, and involvement within the retail industry. This week we feature Laura Alber, CEO of Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

As part of its continued growth strategy, Williams-Sonoma made several organizational changes to its management team. Chief Marketing Officer Pat Connolly has been elevated to chief strategy and business development officer. Connolly will work closely with senior management to refine the company's long-term strategy, including the development of new businesses and the evaluation and execution of acquisitions and alliances that can provide significant growth. "Pat has devoted the past 35 years to building the company's multichannel strategy and has been a driving force in our e-commerce growth," said President and CEO Laura Alber.

Laura Alber, president and CEO, said the retailer exceeded its expectations in operating margin and earnings per share "while simultaneously investing in our future growth strategies." Revenues...

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma has promoted Julie Whalen, SVP, acting CFO, has been appointed EVP, CFO. Laura Alber, the company’s president and CEO, said, “I am delighted to announce this promotion from within our company. During her eleven years at Williams-Sonoma, including the past five months during which she served as acting CFO, Julie has demonstrated tremendous leadership and a deep understanding of our business and values. I look forward to our continued partnership as we drive the company’s growth strategies and focus on delivering on our commitments to our shareholders.” Whalen joined the company in 2001 as a

San Francisco - Internet and catalog sales grew to 44% of total revenues for Williams-Sonoma Inc. in 2011 and the company expects non-store sales to account for 50% of sales in the next three years.This year, the company will expand its international shipping operation from 75 countries to 99, president and ceo Laura Alber said during the company's quarterly conference call yesterday."The largest new opportunity that we see in our future is global expansion," she added. "We currently attract a significant number of foreign nationals to our stores and websites, who frequently encourage us to open in their communities."The