European furniture and homewares brand Maisons du Monde is promoting Julie Walbaum to the position of chief executive.
Previously Maisons du Monde's executive director for digital, customer marketing and customer care, she will succeed Gilles Petit who will remain as a special advisor to the chief executive and a member of the board of directors to ensure a smooth management transition.
Prior to joining Maisons du Monde, Walbaum was the co-founder and managing director of Westwing France, an ecommerce start-up selling home decoration and furnishing products. She also has 11 years of experience in management consulting at McKinsey & Company and Deloitte Consulting.
Sir Ian Cheshire, chairman of the Maisons du Monde board of directors, said: "Having led Maisons du Monde's rampup in digital and shown strong leadership abilities, Julie Walbaum was a natural choice as Gilles Petit’s successor to continue the company's profitable growth trajectory.
"The board of directors thanks Gilles Petit for his outstanding leadership and I know we can rely on him to remain closely involved as special advisor to Julie Walbaum and as a board member.”
Maisons du Monde has also announced that it is accelerating its international expansion with the acquisition of a 70% stake in US furniture chain Modani. This will include the purchase of its stores and ecommerce business, with an option to acquire the remaining outstanding shares.
In 2017, Modani reported sales of $41.4 million and EBITDA of $4.9 million. Founded in 2007 and based in Miami, Modani has a network of 10 stores in major US cities.
