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DWR Snatches Edelman Leather CEO and COO

Edelman's and McPhee's move takes effect on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Laurel Petriello -- Interior Design, 12/16/2009 12:00:00 AM

Design Within Reach (DWR) is reaching out for new talent. The contemporary resource for modern classics announced yesterday that it plucked John Edelman from Edelman Leather, a division of Knoll, Inc., to take over as DWR director, president, and chief executive officer. Edelman’s move takes effect on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

At 42, the former president and CEO of his namesake company, Edelman brings to the table more than 20 years in the industry. During his tenure with Edelman Leather, he increased profits, brand awareness, and helped facilitate the company’s sale to Knoll, Inc. in 2007.

Keeping extra talent within reach, DWR has also hired Edelman Leather cohort John McPhee as the company’s new chief operating officer. McPhee was formerly chief operating officer of Edelman Leather, which he joined in 2003.

"During the search process, the board met with many highly qualified candidates, but the search committee unanimously concluded that Edelman and McPhee were the perfect team to lead the future vision of DWR," Glenn Krevlin, chairman of DWR. "John Edelman is a charismatic, creative, and team-oriented executive with an approachable style. He has a strong knowledge of and affinity for the modern home furnishings aesthetic and is considered to be an industry expert in 'modern.'"

Krevlin continued, "John McPhee is a seasoned operational executive who has a strong background in IT, logistics, real estate, and finance. He will be an exceptional compliment and partner to John Edelman. My vision was to find leaders for DWR that foster a culture that is maniacally focused on servicing our clients and customers. This team will help us achieve these goals."

Edelman Leather welcomes executive Amy Darrah as the luxury leather company's new president to carry on the business's brand positioning and growth.

Image from left: John McPhee and John Edelman at the 2009 Interior Design Best of Year awards; photo by Laurel Petriello.