Group 3: Gleason still on board

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/21/2004 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK – Although Group 3 Design's Mary Gleason has stepped down as president and CEO since accepting a position with Nike, she remains involved with the company she founded in 1992, according to an announcement by Group 3.

The brand-development company – which is overseeing the revival of the Royal Velvet and Cannon businesses — issued the clarification after trade publications, including HTT, reported last week on the Nike appointment.

Gleason also retains ownership of Group 3 along with her husband, Andis Akerfelds, co-founder and newly appointed chairman. Group 3 is searching for a president, according to a company statement.

Gleason recently was named president of Exeter Brands Group, a newly created, wholly-owned subsidiary of Nike Inc. that will focus on brand building in the value retail sector. Exeter's office is located adjacent to Group 3's. There is no ownership relationship between the Nike and Group 3 businesses.