Design Within Reach Announces New Vice Presidents of Merchandising; Creative and Marketing; Sales; and Studio Systems, Processes and Procedures

SAN FRANCISCO, July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Design Within Reach, retailer of the world's largest collection of modern furniture, is pleased to announce the promotions of four key leaders within the Company: Bethany Kemp, Kari Woldum, Sandra Hansel and Michael Sainato. The appointments of these vice presidents reflect Design Within Reach's strategic commitment to the success of its ongoing growth plans.

"Each of these new appointees brings ability, knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to their respective roles," says President and CEO John Edelman. "They have all contributed greatly to our past success and will be instrumental as we continue to build the brand and improve the profitability of the Company."

The following promotions are effective immediately:

Bethany Kemp has truly risen through the ranks at Design Within Reach, from starting in the call center in 2001 and continuing with a series of promotions from IT systems manager to director of studio operations and finally to her present position as Vice President of Studio Systems, Processes and Procedures. Kemp has assumed responsibility of implementing new policies, procedures and company initiatives to support DWR sales and service, as well as overseeing the call center and operations teams. She holds BA degrees from UT Austin in Psychology and Japanese.

Kari Woldum's career began in magazine publishing before she joined DWR as assistant buyer more than four years ago. Leveraging her passion for design and the modern aesthetic, Woldum's role as merchant has spanned the DWR assortment -- Upholstery, Bedroom, Floor, Classics, and Seating and Dining – including co-developing the DWR Tools For Living concept in 2009. As Vice President of Merchandising, Woldum leads a team of six buyers and assistant buyers, and works directly with Edelman in developing the full product line and its relation to the overall brand message for DWR. Woldum holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Sandra Hansel spent five years as DWR's regional director of sales for New York and the Northeast before taking on her new role as Vice President of Sales; in addition to her new national responsibilities, she will continue to oversee the New York region. Prior, she was sales manager for Baker Furniture, and she has an extensive retail background, including work for Limited Brands. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in Textiles and Communication.

Michael Sainato was Design Within Reach art director from 2005 to 2008, and after taking time off to teach at MFA Graphic Design Department at San Francisco's Academy of Art University, has rejoined the company as Vice President of Creative and Marketing. Sainato's career in retail began at Esprit De Corp, and later as senior art director for the Smith & Hawken and J.Crew catalogs. In his new capacity at DWR, Sainato is responsible for the look and feel of the company, including Studios, Website, marketing and advertising. Sainato earned a BA in Fine Arts, Graphic Design and Packaging from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

About Design Within Reach, Inc.

Design Within Reach, Inc., founded in 1998 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, is the source for the best in modern design. The company markets and sells its furniture and accessories to both residential and contract customers through its retail Studios in the United States and Canada, http://www.dwr.com/ and its San Francisco-based phone sales team at 1.800.944.2233.

SOURCE Design Within Reach, Inc.