Regal ceo Smithson to retire; company readies new GA facility

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/7/2001 12:00:00 AM

North Vernon, IN — Andrew Smithson, ceo of rug manufacturer and importer Regal, is retiring after 45 years in the retail and supplier industries, the past 28 of those years at Regal in various executive capacities.

"It's been an absolute blast. An exciting every day of my 28 years at Regal," Smithson told HTT. "But most of all I've been blessed to have worked with a group that was second to none in the country and the industry. I've made lifelong friendships with the people I work with. I feel very blessed."

Springs Industries, which owns Regal, has not yet named a successor to Smithson. The company is still determining Regal's future organizational structure, according to Ted Matthews, vp, corporate communications.

Smithson's background includes stints with retailer Carson Pirie Scott & Co. and The Playboy Company. His last day will be Dec. 31.