ZEELAND, Mich. — Controversial MillerKnoll Inc. president and CEO Andi Owen will officially retire on June 30, 2026, and has begun a leave of absence from the company, effective immediately.

Owen caused controversy during a 2023 Zoom call with workers, when a worker posed a question about a bonus. "How can we stay motivated if we're not going to get a bonus," the worker asked "…What can we do? What can we do?"

Owen's "motivational" response started by pointing to the challenges incurred by COVID, supply chain issues, and bank failures, and the need to provide the best customer service possible. The response went viral, however, when she chastised her workers for asking about bonuses.

In the video, Owen, who had received $3.9 million in cash and stock bonuses, tells workers: "Don't ask about: What are we going to do if we don't get a bonus? Get the damn $26 million. Spend your time and your effort thinking about the $26 million we need and not thinking about what you're going to do if you don't get a bonus. Alright? Can I get some commitment for that? I would appreciate that.  ... I had an old boss who said to me one time, 'You can visit pity city, but you can't live there.' So, people, leave pity city. Let's get it done."

Later that week, Owen sent an email to employees in which she said that she felt terrible that her rallying cry "seemed insensitive."  

Interim CEO

Jeff Stutz, the company's chief operating officer, will perform the duties of the CEO during Owen's leave of absence and will become Interim CEO of the Company on June 30, 2026.

The MillerKnoll Board will conduct a comprehensive search process, including internal and external candidates, with the assistance of a leading executive search firm, to identify the Company's next CEO.

"Jeff is an accomplished executive and tenured Company veteran who has served in multiple senior leadership positions at MillerKnoll and brings extensive knowledge and insights from his more than 25 years in the industry," said John R. Hoke III, chairman of the board. "The Board appreciates Jeff stepping into the CEO role on an interim basis, and we are confident that MillerKnoll is well positioned to continue driving long-term value for customers and shareholders under his leadership.

On behalf of the Board, I also want to thank Andi for her leadership, dedication, and many contributions to MillerKnoll. During her tenure, Andi led the Company through a period of significant transformation while continuing to strengthen our position as a global design leader. This decision reflects Andi's desire to devote greater attention to important family matters while ensuring an orderly leadership transition for the Company. We are grateful for her experience, service, and commitment to our associates, customers, and shareholders, and we wish her well."

"During my years at MillerKnoll and before that, Herman Miller, I have developed both an affinity for and admiration of our iconic brands, deep customer and dealer relationships, and ability to consistently innovate and expand our market opportunities," said Stutz. "I will work closely with MillerKnoll's Board and our leadership team to drive results across our collective of brands. Looking ahead, I remain focused on ensuring the disciplined execution of our strategic priorities and maintaining the momentum underway at MillerKnoll."

"It has been an honor to serve as CEO and to work alongside the extraordinary associates who have made MillerKnoll the company it is today," said Owen. "I am deeply proud of what we have built together and grateful for the creativity, resilience, and commitment of this team. I have worked with Jeff for many years across our Company, and I have great confidence in his leadership as MillerKnoll enters its next chapter of growth and value creation."