Gary Friedman is returning as chairman and co-CEO of Restoration Hardware less than a year after stepping aside, as the home products chain buys his new venture, a company called Hierarchy.
Friedman had relinquished those Restoration Hardware roles in August 2012 after the company’s board reportedly found that he had an inappropriate relationship with a former employee.
The company could not be reached at the time and declined to comment Wednesday.
Friedman had been CEO since 2001. He’s once again co-CEO alongside Carlos Alberini, who was brought on board in 2010.
Restoration Hardware is restyling itself as “RH,” focusing on high-end furnishings. Friedman’s return is effective Wednesday.