In a significant leadership transition at 1-800-Flowers.com, Jim McCann is stepping down as CEO, effective May 9, 2025, while remaining active in the company as executive chairman. Adolfo Villagomez, who has over 20 years of experience in digital and consumer business leadership, will take over as CEO starting May 12, 2025. This change comes at a pivotal moment for the company, which recently faced challenges in its quarterly financial performance.
Jim McCann expressed enthusiasm about Villagomez's appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Adolfo Villagomez as our new chief executive officer. His appointment marks an exciting and historic new chapter for 1-800-Flowers.com as we shape the next generation of leadership.” McCann emphasized the importance of this transition, noting, “Adolfo is the first person outside the McCann family to take on this role — something I did not take lightly.”
McCann recognized Villagomez’s “extraordinary business acumen” and his “deep passion and a genuine commitment to partnership” with the existing leadership team. He described the moment as unique and impactful, adding, “This is a unique and impactful moment for our company, and I’m proud to enter this next chapter of our journey.”
Villagomez, who previously served as CEO of Progress Residential, a company managing single-family rental homes across over 40 U.S. markets, expressed his honor in leading 1-800-Flowers.com. “I am incredibly honored to lead 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. and to represent such an iconic brand, as we enter a transformational new era for the company,” he said. Villagomez highlighted the company’s legacy and assets, stating, “With 1-800-Flowers.com’s unique legacy and unrivaled assets, we are one of few companies that have the privilege to be part of the most important moments in our consumer’s lives.”
He is eager to collaborate with McCann and the leadership team to drive significant growth for the company in the coming years. “I cannot wait to hit the ground running with Jim and the leadership team to help grow the business dramatically in the years ahead,” Villagomez added.
Before his tenure at Progress Residential, Villagomez held key positions at The Home Depot, where he was president of the company's online businesses and chief marketing officer for U.S. Retail. Under his leadership, homedepot.com achieved over $20 billion in sales in 2021. His earlier career included a partnership at McKinsey and Company, where he led the North America Marketing and Sales Practice. Villagomez holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
The executive search for Villagomez was conducted in partnership with Kevin O’Neill of Acertitude, a global executive search firm and leadership consultancy. This strategic hiring aims to revitalize the company’s direction amid recent financial challenges.
On the day of the announcement, 1-800-Flowers (FLWS) shares took a hit, plunging after the company withdrew its near-term guidance and shuffled its management team. This news followed a disappointing third-quarter earnings report that revealed a larger-than-expected loss per share and a 13% drop in net revenue compared to the previous year. Investors reacted sharply to the news, reflecting concerns about the company's short-term outlook.
The ride-share company Lyft (LYFT) also made headlines recently, with shares surging after reporting better-than-expected gross bookings in the first quarter. Similarly, Pinterest (PINS) saw its shares rise as it provided second-quarter revenue guidance that beat estimates, with CEO Bill Ready attributing the company's success to its ability to leverage AI to personalize user experiences.
As 1-800-Flowers.com embarks on this new chapter under Villagomez’s leadership, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the company navigates its current challenges and capitalizes on opportunities for growth. The leadership transition is seen as a critical step in redefining the company's strategy and improving its market position.
With a storied history, 1-800-Flowers.com has been a staple in the floral and gifting industry, known for its customer service and innovative approaches to e-commerce. As it faces the challenges of a competitive market and evolving consumer preferences, the leadership of Villagomez could be the catalyst needed for a turnaround.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for 1-800-Flowers.com as it adjusts to new leadership while striving to regain investor confidence and stabilize its operations. With a fresh perspective and a commitment to innovation, Villagomez's tenure may well define the future of this iconic brand.
