ZEELAND, Mich. - Contract furniture giant Herman Miller Inc. has elected Andi Owen as its new president and CEO, effective Aug. 22. She succeeds Brian Walker who is retiring from the company.

Elected also to the board of directors, Owen comes to the global design and furniture manufacturer after a 25-year career at Gap Inc., where she most recently served as global president of Banana Republic, leading 11,000 employees in more than 600 stores across 27 countries. The appointment is part of a previously-announced leadership succession planning process.

Brian Walker

Michael Volkema, chairman of the board, said, "We are deeply grateful to Brian for his leadership and many achievements during his long career with Herman Miller. The company remains focused on the strategy Brian put in place, which has collectively grown the business, expanded our multi-channel capabilities, and accelerated the company's positive momentum."

He added, "Under Andi's leadership, the business will seize opportunities that will lead to growth in new markets for both contract and consumer customers. Andi has the right gifts, talents, and expertise to accomplish this mission. She understands how to realize the potential of a brand amidst changing customer preferences and habits. We are thrilled to welcome her onboard."  

Owen's accomplishments include developing new "digital first" growth strategies, introducing innovative marketing and new customer acquisition strategies, and driving global expansion in key markets.

Walker added, "Herman Miller is only just beginning to scratch the surface of our addressable market opportunity. Andi's experience driving results as a seasoned leader, coupled with our outstanding leadership team, will take our family of brands to the next level. This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to working with Andi on a seamless transition."

Walker announced in February that he would retire after a 29-year career at the company. In recognition of his efforts at the company and the industry as a whole, Walker was named a Wood Industry Market Leader in 2010.

"Herman Miller has a reputation for being the best in the business," Owen said. "It is a privilege to lead the Company and continue the evolution of its world class portfolio of brands. I'm excited to work with the management team and the broader organization to build upon the legacy of innovation and design excellence that is at the heart of Herman Miller."

Headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan, the 113-year-old Herman Miller (Nasdaq: MLHR) generated $2.38 billion in revenue last fiscal year and employs nearly 8,000 people worldwide. The company ranked #6 on the latest FDMC 300 listing of the top wood products manufacturers in North America. The FDMC 300 was published in the February 2018 edition of FDMC magazine.