Ethan Allen Announces the Passing of Longtime Director John Dooner Jr.
Rhea-AI Summary
Ethan Allen (NYSE:ETD) announced the passing of John Dooner Jr. on January 6, 2026. Dooner, 77, served on the company's Board of Directors for 15 years and is remembered for his leadership, philanthropy and long career in advertising.
He began in advertising in 1970, joined McCann Erickson as Senior Vice President in 1984, and became Chairman and CEO of McCann Worldwide in 1995, leading its evolution into McCann Worldgroup and the industry’s first global digital marketing network. The company extended condolences to his family and noted his mentorship and community service.
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News Market Reaction – ETD
On the day this news was published, ETD gained 1.26%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
ETD gained 0.66% with modestly above-average volume, while key peers were mixed: LZB +1.7%, LEG +1.66%, MLKN +1.38%, MBC +0.71%, and AMWD was flat.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 13 | Sustainability recognition | Positive | -0.7% | High score for sustainable wood sourcing and certified supply chain practices. |
| Nov 12 | Workplace award | Positive | -2.9% | Great Place to Work Mexico certification for eighth consecutive year. |
| Oct 29 | Quarterly earnings | Neutral | -3.5% | Q1 FY26 results with solid margins, cash position, and regular dividend. |
| Oct 08 | Earnings date notice | Neutral | -1.6% | Announcement of Q1 FY26 release date and conference call details. |
| Sep 29 | Store expansion | Positive | +0.8% | Opening of new Colorado Springs Design Center, fourth site in Colorado. |
Recent company news, even when operationally or reputationally positive, has often coincided with flat-to-negative price reactions.
Over the last few months, Ethan Allen reported fiscal 2026 Q1 results with net sales around $147M, a 61.4% gross margin, adjusted operating income of $10.6M, and adjusted diluted EPS of $0.43, alongside strong cash and no debt. It maintained regular dividends of $0.39 per share and opened a new Design Center in Colorado Springs, its fourth Colorado location. The company also highlighted that about 75% of its furniture is manufactured in North America and received recognition for sustainable wood sourcing and workplace quality, yet shares often slipped following these announcements.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement reports the passing of John Dooner Jr., a longtime Ethan Allen director who served on the Board for 15 years and had a notable advertising and digital marketing career. It highlights his leadership, vision for digital media, and extensive philanthropic work. From a market context, the company entered this news with shares trading below the 200-day moving average and well under the 52-week high, so investors may focus on board continuity and governance stability alongside existing fundamentals.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
DANBURY, CT, Jan. 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With profound sadness, Ethan Allen announces the death of John Dooner Jr., 77, who served on the company’s Board of Directors for the past 15 years.
“John was a dear friend and a long-standing member of the Ethan Allen Board, whom I had known for more than 25 years,” stated Farooq Kathwari, Ethan Allen’s Chairman, President and CEO. “A trailblazer throughout his career, John was also a person of generosity and integrity, and he will be deeply missed.”
John began his career in an advertising media department in 1970, transitioning to McCann Erickson as a Senior Vice President in 1984 and rising to become Chairman and CEO of McCann Worldwide in 1995. A visionary who predicted the dominant role that digital media would play in the future of marketing, he led the company’s evolution into McCann Worldgroup and the formation of the industry’s first global digital marketing network.
John will also be remembered for his philanthropic efforts. He was deeply involved in several initiatives including Peace One Day, Product Red and the United Way. He also served on the boards of St. Thomas University, Sound Shore Medical Center and the New York City Police Foundation, and as a trustee of Notre Dame’s Irish Advisory Council.
“In addition to being an exceptional leader, John was a friend and mentor to many people,” Mr. Kathwari noted. “The thoughts of our entire Ethan Allen team are with his family at this time.”
ABOUT ETHAN ALLEN
Ethan Allen (NYSE:ETD), named America's #1 Premium Furniture Retailer by Newsweek for three consecutive years, is a leading interior design destination combining state-of-the-art technology with personal service. Ethan Allen design centers, which represent a mix of Company-operated and independent licensee locations, offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every room in the home. Vertically integrated from product design through logistics, the Company manufactures about
CONTACT:
Matt McNulty
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
IR@ethanallen.com
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