Ian Sears named president of Ralph Lauren Home

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 17, 2011

NEW YORK — Ian Sears, who has been chief marketing officer for Restoration Hardware, has been named president of Ralph Lauren Home to replace the retiring Frank Guzzetta.

William Li, who has been vice president of marketing, advertising and communications for Ralph Lauren Home, has been promoted to senior vice president, overseeing sales and merchandising as well as retaining his current responsibilities.

Guzzetta will assist in the transition, the company said. Under Guzzetta, Ralph Lauren Home undertook a number of significant moves including the addition of new licensees in furniture and floor coverings.

Sears, who has also been senior vice president in charge of direct-to-consumer business at Restoration Hardware, is a home industry veteran who earlier held senior positions with Macy's and Williams-Sonoma.

He will oversee all Ralph Lauren Home brands including Lauren, Chaps and American Living and report to Jackwyn Nemerov, Ralph Lauren Corp. executive vice president of wholesale brands, licensed products, sourcing, merchandising, home and Asia Pacific.

Li, who joined the company in 2010 after 18 years with Conde Nast, also will oversee planning and European business development for home. He reports to Sears and David Lauren, executive vice president of global advertising, marketing and communications at Ralph Lauren Corp.