HOLLAND, Mich. — Heller Furniture has joined Haworth, marking a new chapter for the modern design brand and coinciding with expanded responsibilities for Heller President and CEO John Edelman within Haworth’s global organization.
The companies announced Feb. 16 that Heller will continue operating under its current retail distribution model while gaining access to Haworth’s global platform and channels. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The move will see Edelman take on a new role as president, North & South America, for Haworth Lifestyle, overseeing operations for brands including Cappellini, Cassina, Ceccotti Collezioni, Poltrona Frau and Zanotta.
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Heller joins Haworth
Founded in 1971, Heller is known for its range of indoor-outdoor furniture and accessories created in collaboration with internationally recognized architects and designers. The brand’s products have received awards including the Compasso d’Oro and NeoCon honors and are included in permanent museum collections.
Under the new structure, Edelman will transition from president and CEO of Heller to creative director, continuing to guide the brand’s design direction. Andrew McPhee, Heller’s current chief operating officer, will assume the role of general manager with expanded responsibilities.
McPhee said the company sought a partner to support its next phase of growth.
“Over the past several years, Heller has seen significant growth and renewed momentum, reintroducing iconic pieces, launching new products we’re proud of and earning industry recognition,” McPhee said. “For our next growth phase, we sought a partner to expand our reach globally while preserving our essence. Haworth brings the global platform, operational strength and shared design respect to scale thoughtfully.”
Franco Bianchi, president and CEO of Haworth, said the acquisition aligns with the company’s long-term brand strategy.
“With our combined efforts and John’s creative vision, we can put Heller where it deserves to be,” Bianchi said. “We want lovers of Heller to know the brand is in good hands as Haworth will focus on providing the resources needed to grow and flourish.”
Edelman said the partnership will help the brand better align its market presence with its design reputation.
“The Heller brand is dramatically ahead of its business,” Edelman said. “Joining Haworth, with a history of elevating brands, will allow Heller to reach new heights and fulfill its mission to bring accessible modern design to the world.”
Haworth, founded in 1948 and headquartered in Holland, Mich., operates in more than 150 countries through a network of 400 dealers and 8,000 employees. The privately held company reported sales of $2.57 billion.
Edelman to lead Haworth Lifestyle in the Americas
In addition to his creative director role at Heller, Edelman will join Haworth Lifestyle as president, North and South America. The Milan-based division serves as a federation of design and luxury brands within Haworth’s broader portfolio.
Dario Rinero, CEO of Haworth Lifestyle, said the appointment reflects a strategy to localize leadership in the Americas while leveraging Edelman’s experience in the U.S. design market.
“We are thrilled to welcome John to the Haworth Lifestyle family,” Rinero said. “I personally have known John for many years, and in that time, I’ve learned he is one of the most knowledgeable leaders in our sector in the U.S.”
Haworth Lifestyle includes a mix of manufacturing, retail and licensing brands across design and luxury categories. In addition to the core furniture brands Edelman will oversee, the division’s broader portfolio includes Janus et Cie, Karakter, Interni, Luminaire and Luxury Living Group, along with licensed home collections such as Ralph Lauren Home, Bentley Home, Bugatti Home, Dolce & Gabbana Casa, Trussardi Casa and Versace Home.
Edelman brings more than 30 years of executive experience across the design sector. He previously led Edelman Leather before its sale to Knoll Inc. in 2007. In 2010, he acquired Design Within Reach and later served as CEO of both the retailer and the Herman Miller Consumer Group following Herman Miller’s acquisition of DWR in 2014.
In 2022, Edelman purchased Heller and became its president and CEO.
