Background
Lester, W. Howard was born on August 14, 1935 in Durant, Oklahoma, United States.
Lester, W. Howard was born on August 14, 1935 in Durant, Oklahoma, United States.
Attended, University Oklahoma. Doctor of Humane Letters (honorary), University Okla, 2004.
Vice president Computer Sciences Corporation. Founder Centurex Corporation. Chief Executive Officer Williams-Sonoma Inc., San Francisco, 1979—1986, chairman, 2001—2006, chairman, Chief Executive Officer, 1986—2001, 2006—2010.
Chairman emeritus Williams-Sonoma, Inc., 2010. Board directors Williams-Sonoma, Inc., 1979—2010, Harold's Stores, Inc., 1995—2010.
Member advisory board Haas School Business, University California, Berkeley, Retail Management Institute, Santa Clara University. Member executive council University California, San Francisco. Board member Museum Modern Art.
Member of International Associate Shopping Centers (associate).
Married Mary Lester; children: Kathryn, Kristen, Kirk.