Barbara Turf (February 28, 1943 – July 12, 2014) was an American business executive and former schoolteacher who served as the CEO of Crate & Barrel, a houseware and furniture retail chain, from 2008 until 2012.
[1] In 1967, Turf began working as a temporary summer employee at Crate & Barrel's original store on Wells Street in Chicago.
[1][2] As CEO, Barbara Turf expanded Crate & Barrel into new overseas emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East.
[1] Turf retired as CEO in 2012, but remained with Crate & Barrel by joining its board of directors.
[1][2] In addition to Crate & Barrel, Turf served on the boards of directors for Ann Taylor Stores Corp. and the Gucci Group.