CEO of Pottery Barn Brands to retire

The leader of the Pottery Barn brands portfolio is stepping down. 

Parent company Williams-Sonoma, Inc., said that Marta Benson, CEO of Pottery Barn Brands, will retire effective April 26. The 13-year company veteran has served in the position since January 2023. Prior to that, Benson was president of the Pottery Barn brand.

Benson’s responsibilities will transition to the two existing Pottery Barn presidents: Monica Bhargava, president of Pottery Barn, and Jennifer Kellor, president of Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen. Together, Bhargava and Kellor have a combined 50 years of service with Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

“On behalf of the board of directors and the entire Williams-Sonoma, Inc. team, I want to thank Marta for her significant accomplishments and commitment to driving growth during her 13-year tenure,” said Williams-Sonoma, Inc. president and CEO Laura Alber. “Marta’s contributions to our company have led to the launch of Mark & Graham, the acquisition of Rejuvenation and the transformation of Pottery Barn. We are grateful for her leadership and the legacy she leaves behind having been a champion for advancing our company’s commitment to sustainability.”

Prior to joining Williams-Sonoma in 2011, Benson served as CEO of iconic San Francisco retailer Gump’s, from 2006 to 2011. Prior to that, from 1996 to 2006, she was senior VP, merchandising and marketing at Restoration Hardware (now RH).

“It has been an absolute privilege to contribute to Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the capstone of a 35-year career in specialty multi-channel retail,”Benson said. I have so much respect for the passionate teams that have built such a powerful platform and the most beautiful family of brands in our industry with an authentic commitment to quality, service and sustainability,” said Benson. “The Pottery Barn bench is talented, tenured, and strong, and I have so much confidence in the leadership that will continue to innovate and drive results going forward.”