Todd Wanek, president and CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries, has led the world’s largest home furnishings manufacturer through global expansion, vertical integration, and modernized supply chain execution. The son of founder Ronald Wanek, he helped scale Ashley’s manufacturing footprint, logistics capabilities, and retail partnerships, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver mass-market furniture at enormous volume. Known for operational intensity and disciplined leadership, Wanek has steered Ashley through shifting consumer demand, e-commerce disruption, and complex global sourcing challenges while keeping the business privately held and growth-focused.

Ronald Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, built the world’s largest home furnishings manufacturer by mastering scale production, vertical integration, and mass-market distribution. Starting the business in the 1970s, Wanek expanded Ashley into a global furniture powerhouse with manufacturing across the U.S. and internationally, supported by one of the largest retail networks in the industry. Known for operational discipline and private ownership focus, he turned furniture—a traditionally fragmented category—into an empire defined by efficiency and logistics strength.

Gary Friedman, chairman and CEO of RH (formerly Restoration Hardware), transformed the home furnishings retailer into a high-end lifestyle brand synonymous with luxury design. Since taking the helm in 2001, he has repositioned the company through bold merchandising, exclusive collections, and immersive gallery spaces that blend retail, hospitality, and experience. Under his leadership, RH’s market value has soared, redefining the intersection of home décor and aspirational living while establishing Friedman as one of retail’s most innovative and uncompromising leaders.