MillerKnoll Appoints Jeff Stutz as CEO Amid a Challenging Macro

by · WWD
Jeff Stutz, MillerKnoll's CEOCourtesy of MillerKnoll

MILAN — Following a summer of uncertainties, MillerKnoll confirmed Jeff Stutz as its chief executive officer.

Stutz took over as interim CEO in June, when Andi Owen, who joined Herman Miller in 2018 and oversaw the $1.8 billion merger of Herman Miller and Knoll in 2021, stepped down.

MillerKnoll, which is based Zeeland, Mich., operates Knoll, Herman Miller, online platform Design Within Reach and Holly Hunt, Copenhagen-based design firm Muuto and textile firm Maharam.

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MillerKnoll board chairman John R. Hoke 3rd said in a statement that, since June, Stutz “has made an immediate and meaningful impact by driving stronger operating income, margins and earnings.”

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Stutz first joined Herman Miller in 2001 and has held several finance leadership roles including chief financial officer, vice president of investor relations, corporate treasurer and chief accounting officer. Upon taking the reins for Owen, he has been committed to managing expenses and production levels.

With the announcement, MillerKnoll highlighted a list of “risks and uncertainties” in the months ahead. Top on the list was the effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and broader geopolitical instability.

“Both pose a negative impact on the firm’s supply chain and a negative impact on sales within the region or elsewhere due to supply chain constraints or other factors; higher energy prices, and broader inflationary and macroeconomic effects,” the statement said.

Other risks include consumer spending levels and U.S. and international trade policies, including new or increased tariffs; developments relating to tariff refunds, and changes to import and export regulations.

Inside Knoll’s NYC showroom.Courtesy of Knoll

MillerKnoll, which is listed on Nasdaq, saw its shares sink to a five-year low in November 2025, as the company endured a period marked by macroeconomic headwinds caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy, inflation and rising shipping costs.

In September, U.S. consumer confidence plunged to a near 12-and-a-half-year low, due to jitters over business and labor market conditions, amid the Middle East conflict and rising interest rates.

Looking ahead, Stutz said he will continue to keep costs at bay and streamline production.

“I look forward to partnering with the board and our teams to sharpen our priorities, manage costs with discipline, strengthen our balance sheet and build on our foundation to deliver for our shareholders, customers and associates.”

Earlier this year, MillerKnoll said it expects revenues in the range of $3.88 billion to $4.03 billion for 2026.