KDRV Staff & Business Wire Reports
 
February 8, 2010
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - The President and Chief Executive Officer of Medford-based gourmet food and gift giant Harry & David has left the company.
 
In a press release Monday, the company announced that Bill Williams, who has been with Harry & David for 21 years, has been replaced by Steven J. Heyer. The statement did not provide a reason for Williams' departure.
 
According to the release, Heyer served as CEO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, President and COO of the Coca Cola Company, Turner Broadcasting System, Young & Rubicam Advertising Worldwide and Booz Allen & Hamilton.
 
Heyer resigned from Starwood in 2007. The Associated Press reported at the time that the resignation came after a disagreement over his management style. According to an ABC news report, Heyer's departure from Starwood followed allegations "he had sent inappropriate and suggestive e-mails and text messages to a female employee."
 
According to the Wall Street Journal, Starwood's board was made aware of the alleged misconduct through an anonymous letter, then an outside law firm investigated the claims and found them to be true.
 
The ABC report states that Heyer, in an interview with WSJ, "denied making sexual advances to female employees or sending suggestive e-mails."
 
Harry & David is owned by investment funds controlled by Wasserstein & Co. In a statement, Wasserstein CEO Ellis Jones said this about Heyer:
 
"Steve Heyer is a world-class talent with tremendous strategic vision and unparalleled experience as a brand builder, marketing innovator and operating executive. We couldn't be more pleased that he will be joining Harry & David at this important time in the Company's development. Steve's proven track record of growing businesses by increasing consumer loyalty and customer demand makes him the ideal person to build on the iconic Harry & David brand and help the Company take full advantage of its many opportunities.
 
Concerning Williams' departure, Jones said: "On behalf of the Board, I want to acknowledge the many valuable contributions Bill Williams has made to Harry & David over the past 21 years. The operational and logistical advances Bill implemented during his tenure as President and CEO have provided the Company with a solid foundation that will continue to yield benefits going forward. We thank him for his faithful stewardship of the brand and his loyalty to Harry & David employees and shareholders, and wish him well in his future endeavors."