Harry and David: Interim CEO named

February 20, 2011

Someone submitted a comment about my February 16th post in which he pointed out that Kay Hong has been appointed Interim CEO of Harry and David and asked whether I know her and whether her appointment is a good thing.

I haven’t met Kay, but I do know that Harry and David is at a crossroads that definitely requires someone with experience in distressed situations and someone who is strong not only financially but also operationally.

Some comments  submitted in response to the Harry and David story in  the Oregonian today confirmed my suspicions about what is going on operationally at the company; e.g., complaints about poor product, poor customer service, poor internal systems, and lack of adequate inventory control.  All of those will need attention if the company is to prosper.

Most people here in Oregon are partial to our home-grown companies and are pulling for Harry and David to survive.  Many jobs and the welfare of the area will be affected by the outcome.