WestPoint removes interim from Fontenot's title

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/17/2003 12:00:00 AM

West Point, GA — Chip Fontenot has been confirmed as ceo of WestPoint Stevens, a post he's held on an interim basis since the ouster of former chairman and ceo Holcombe Green Jr. when the company filed for bankruptcy protection from its creditors in June.

Before stepping into the hot seat, Fontenot had been president and coo since joining the company in 2001, succeeding former president Tom Ward.

A long-time industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, Fontenot rose through the ranks learning the home fashions business at Springs Industries Inc. During more than 20 yeas at Springs, he rose to the post of president of the consumer products division. He subsequently left Springs to become chairman, president and ceo of Perfect Fit Industries, and was later president and coo at Dyersburg Corp.

"This clearly shows strong support for Chip from the board of directors and also the full support of our creditors," said Lorraine Miller, WestPoint Stevens senior vp for investor relations.

Miller added, "This has been a very popular move within the company, and people within have been delighted to hear it. It's a very positive move for the company."