Retired Williams-Sonoma Executive, Sharon McCollam, Returns to Retail as Best Buy's New CAO and CFO

Best Buy

, the leading multi-channel retailer of technology products and services, today announced that Sharon McCollam, the retired Director, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., will join the company as its new Chief Administrative and Chief Financial Officer, effective December 10, 2012. McCollam, 50, left Williams-Sonoma earlier this year after serving as an executive officer for more than 12 years. As the Chief Administrative and Chief Financial Officer, McCollam will influence and shape all aspects of Best Buy's operations and transformation strategy. In addition to her proven financial leadership, McCollam also brings broad retail and multi-channel operational expertise that will be highly relevant to Best Buy's transformation. She assumes a number of responsibilities including all aspects of global finance, strategic planning and corporate development, shared services and oversight of Best Buy's real estate portfolio.  As Chief Financial Officer, she succeeds James Muehlbauer, whose departure was announced last month. Muehlbauer will leave the company at the end of this fiscal year, allowing for a smooth transition. Throughout her time at Williams-Sonoma, McCollam played an influential, cross-functional role and was broadly recognized for her efforts in transforming the company's financial and operating disciplines and ensuring its strategic initiatives were in line with shareholder interests. During her tenure, the company grew to be regarded by the financial markets as a role model in execution, due largely to the consistent delivery of sustainable operating improvements and strong financial results.