New Beacon sales, mktg. takes on familiar look

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/1/2001 12:00:00 AM

SWANNANOA, NC —

Only weeks after a management-led buyout of the century-old Beacon Blankets operation from Pillowtex Corp., the venerable blanket and throw producer has put into place an entirely new sales, marketing and product development team made up of former Beacon and industry veterans.

"We could not be more proud of the team we've put together to build the 'new' Beacon," said Tedd Smith, president, to whom the new team will report.

In a major coup, Beacon lured away long-time textile industry and WestPoint Stevens veteran Harvey Wooding as senior vp, sales for national accounts. A 31-year veteran of the home fashions business, Wooding was most recently vp, mass brands at WestPoint Stevens, managing sales to all mass merchants and institutional accounts.

Returning to Beacon as vp, marketing services is John Hill, who has spent 34 years with the company in several senior management positions. Hill left the Beacon operation after its acquisition by Pillowtex Corp., and for the past two years has been director of sales and marketing for Riddle and Cockerell, a cotton jacquard throw and accessory producer.

Promoted to vp, marketing and research and development is Melvin Smith, who had been chief of product development.

Sandy Craig has been named regional marketing manager and has chalked up 26 years of experience in manufacturing, customer service and sales. She had been a regional sales assistant before moving into marketing six years ago.

Christy Woodhead has been named a regional marketing manager.

On the sales side, Bill Perdue, an industry veteran of 40 years, most recently with Pillowtex, has been named vp, sales for the Southwest region.

Ed Barbon, a 31-year veteran most recently a rep with Standard Terry Mills, has been named vp, sales for the West Coast.

Tom Gibbs, a 30-year veteran, returns to Beacon as vp of institutional sales after a five-year stint as Southeast regional sales manager at Charles D. Owen Mfg.

Ron Rubano, a former vp, sales to department stores at Excell Home Fashions, has joined Beacon as vp, sales for the Northeast region.

Wright Varn joins Beacon as vp, sales, Midwest region. For the past two years, he worked for the AFI Division of Springs Industries.

Krista Milligan has been named vp, sales, Southeast region, after a stint as Southeast account executive at Excell Home Fashions.

Pat Christie, a 15-year veteran, has been named account executive, Canada, joining Beacon from the Pillowtex sales and marketing team.