Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. announced on Monday it has named Harriet Edelman as independent chair of the board, effective immediately.
In addition, the Union-based retailer said Patrick Gaston stepped down as chairman of the board.
“I am extremely grateful to Patrick for his stewardship and guidance since I joined the company, including his support through the COVID-19 situation. He has helped oversee substantial change in the governance, leadership and strategic direction of the business and leaves a strong legacy from which we can build. I want to congratulate Harriet on her appointment as Chair of the Board. She has an unparalleled passion for our business and I look forward to working constructively with her and the Board as we continue to execute our vision together,” Mark Tritton, President & CEO, said.
Edelman, who has more than 30 years of global operating experience in consumer goods and finances, is currently serving on the board of directors of Assurant Inc. and Brinker International Inc. Prior to Bed Bath, she spent more than 25 years at Avon Products Inc.
“Building on our history as the preeminent home retailer, we are bringing great energy and focus to reinventing Bed Bath and Beyond — to strongly connect with, inspire and serve today’s customers and how they want to shop. I am honored and thrilled to chair this iconic company, serve our shareholders, partner with the board, Mark and the new leadership team, and help ignite growth and profitability,” Edelman said.
The company also said Joshua Schechter will take over the role of chair of the audit committee from Edelman, effective immediately.
