After 44-year career in home, David Gebhart heads to Italy

After a celebrated career, Gebhart will officially depart the U.S. for new home in Italy.

After 44-year career in home, David Gebhart heads to Italy

DALLAS – The University of North Texas (UNT) has awarded David Gebhart, co-owner, co-founder, and creative CEO behind home décor brands Global Views, Studio A Home – a Global Views Company, and WilliamDScott.com, as a Distinguished Legacy Member of the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism. College Dean Jana Hawley presented the award.

Hawley said the distinction is given to individuals whose impact on the college has a long-term, long-lasting, far-reaching and positive effect on the students and faculty of the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism. The honor celebrates Gebhart’s transformative impact on the home furnishings industry, specifically along with his decades-long commitment to mentoring future talent through internships and scholarships.

Gebhart, a proud alumnus of UNT, earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a fashion emphasis after beginning his academic career at Texas Tech University as a landscape architecture major.

“The connection I’ve had with UNT over the years has been personal and profound,” Gebhart said. “Many of our most valued team members began as interns from UNT—and I’m proud to say many of them are still with the company today, playing important roles in the company’s continued success.”

In addition to mentorship, Gebhart established an annual scholarship awarded to a deserving home furnishings major, selected by the College’s dean and faculty. The award serves as a legacy of his deep-rooted belief in supporting the next generation of industry innovators.

After a celebrated career, Gebhart and his husband Frederick Rayner will officially depart the U.S. to become residents of Italy on May 15, 2025.

Gebhart has had a 44-year career spanning every segment of the home furnishings industry—from department store buyer to global product developer and design pioneer. He has always been a force for style, vision, and innovation. After founding Global Views in 1996 alongside partners Frederick Rayner and Lois Del Negro, the company grew into a premier resource for furniture retailers, specialty shops, e-commerce, and interior designers worldwide.

In 2023, the original founders sold Global Views to Georgia-based wholesale/import leader Surya in anticipation of retirement. Now, two years later, that dream is being fully realized.

“Italy has always inspired me—from the design, the people, the lifestyle,” Gebhart shared. “This new chapter is about embracing beauty, culture, and the joy of a life well-lived. We’re excited for the adventure ahead.”