WPS reassembles staff to bolster basic bedding

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/11/2001 12:00:00 AM

WEST POINT, GA — WestPoint Stevens announced new assignments to enhance its rapidly developing basic bedding business.

Alan Kennedy will become vp, merchandising, basic bedding, with responsibility for full-range product development, including Chatham blankets, Vellux blankets, bed pillows and mattress pads. He most recently was vp, sales for Chatham. He joined Chatham in 1987.

Scott Howard will become vp, sales, basic bedding. He will be responsible for managing the selling activities of the newly combined sales force that will handle all Chatham, Liebhardt, Vellux and — effective July 1 — basic Ralph Lauren Home bedding products. He most recently was vp, Liebhardt Sales from May of last year. He joined the company in 1990.

Thomas Burke will become vp, business operations, with responsibility for all basic bedding products. Burke most recently was vp, merchandising, Ralph Lauren Home, from last June. He has been with the company since 1989.

"To further capitalize on the growth opportunity in basic bedding, WestPoint Stevens continues to leverage our licenses and brand names to become a more comprehensive supplier to our retail partners," said senior vp — basic bedding Art Birkins, to whom Kennedy, Howard and Burke will report. "These assignments will provide our basic bedding division with the momentum and expertise to further establish WestPoint Stevens as a key player in this category."

In addition, Robert Fleischer has been named vp, business development for Ralph Lauren Home.

"In this new role, he will be responsible for managing the financial and operational aspects of the Ralph Lauren Home business unit as well as developing strategic direction for Ralph Lauren Home basic bedding sales," said Linda Kinkler, senior vp, Ralph Lauren Home, to whom he will report.