Gleason runs to Nike

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/16/2004 12:17:00 PM

NEW YORK — Group 3 Design co-founder Mary Gleason has left the company to head a subsidiary of Nike Inc.

Gleason had been president and CEO of the 12-year-old brand management company, which handles the Royal Velvet and Cannon brands in home, as well as Delia’s, McKids and Starter brands. Her career includes 25 years of fashion apparel, brand management and development with Macy’s Corporate, Allied Stores and Belk’s.She will become president of New York-based Exeter Brands Group, a wholly owned Nike subsidiary that designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail channel. Andis Akerfelds, co-founder of Group 3 Design, will become chairman of Group 3. The company is searching for a new president.