Crate & Barrel Adds Metaverse VP, Dollar Tree Hires Supply Chain Chief
Two companies, Crate & Barrel and Dollar Tree, have announced significant changes across their executive leadership teams.
Crate & Barrel Holdings, Inc., has promoted Sebastian Brauer to senior vice president for product design, development and metaverse. The company has also promoted Alicia Waters to executive vice president for Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids, and Joan King to executive vice president of digital and international growth.
Janet Hayes, CEO of Crate & Barrel Holdings Inc., said that all three leaders have continuously brought value and innovation to the business.
"Their leadership has been fundamental to our customer-centric mindset. and I know they will continue to lead Crate & Barrel Holdings into the future with vision, drive and intention," Hayes added.
Additionally, Dollar Tree recently made two executive appointments, naming John Flanigan as chief supply chain officer and Larry Gatta as chief merchandising officer for Family Dollar.
Michael Witynski, president and CEO of Dollar Tree, stated that Flanigan and Gatta bring decades of experience and are proven leaders.
“In their leadership roles, they will each be key components to our success in the next chapter of our company’s growth, especially as it relates to improved performance, efficiencies, and shopper and associate experiences, in our Family Dollar stores and throughout our supply chain,” Witynski added.
Crate & Barrel
Sebastian Brauer
In the new role, Brauer will continue to manage the product design, development, and visual merchandising teams for Crate & Barrel brands, and will also lead the company’s vision for the future metaverse and web3.
Brauer, previously served as VP of product design and development. He joined the company in 2018 and has helped elevate the brand’s product offerings across all categories.
"I am honored to take on this new, innovative role," said Brauer. "My passion leading teams to enable transformation — especially by bridging the physical and digital worlds through design thinking, collaboration and creativity — will allow us to explore new mediums, dimensions, and technology to effectively introduce CBH to a new, modern and experiential marketplace. I look forward to working with our best in class teams to realize this vision"
Alicia Waters
As executive vice president for Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids, Waters will be driving the strategic direction of the business from product and marketing, to retail operations, digital excellence, and employee engagement.
Waters previously served as the company’s chief marketing officer, having been with the organization for more than seven years leading marketing efforts across all brands within the company.
"I am thrilled to take this next step in my journey with Crate & Barrel Holdings," said Waters. "I am continuously inspired by our customers and employees to evolve the business to meet the needs of the customer and support them at every stage of their home journey whether in the kitchen, creating a nursery or revamping an empty nest."
Joan King
In her new role, King will continue to oversee and grow the brand’s digital presence and lead its international expansion into new markets in 2022.
King has been with Crate & Barrel since 2001, innovating within the online consumer experience space across all devices, apps, and in-store solutions.
"Since joining CBH, I have been fortunate to work with outstanding teams throughout the organization who are passionate about improving the customer experience," said King.
"I look forward to continuing to drive our business online and internationally with inspirational, personalized experiences at every point in the shopping journey," she added.
Dollar Tree
John Flanigan
Flanigan most recently served as EVP of global supply chain for Dollar General. He joined the company in 2008 and has risen the ranks from SVP, global supply chain. Previously, he worked for the Longs Drug Stores Corporation and Safeway Inc. He has nearly 30 years of management experience in retail logistics and a background in overseeing warehousing, transportation, and facility maintenance for over 500 retail outlets.
Flanigan stated he and Witynski share a common vision to improve the organization’s supply chain performance through improved distribution center conditions, hiring and retention of teams, and efficiency improvements throughout the supply chain.
Larry Gatta
Gatta most previously served as Dollar General’s SVP and general merchandise manager for consumables. He has more than 35 years of experience in retail and marketing, overseeing channels such as food, perishables, candy, snacks, and more. Prior to Dollar General, Gatta served as Longs Drug Stores’ SVP and chief marketing officer and also held leadership roles at Ride Aid Corporation and Phar-Mor Corporation.
Gatta stated he will be focused on improving the banner’s productivity and improved operating performance through sales-driving initiatives, margin-enhancements, and leveraging cost components.
“The investments in renovations and the new combo store formats are a tremendous foundation to grow and improve the Family Dollar business,” said Gatta.
