Baker to head Springs' Wal-Mart account

FORT MILL, SC — Rapidly adding responsibilities since joining Springs Industries nine months ago, in August 2001, Chris Baker has been named senior vp and team leader for the giant Wal-Mart account, which accounts for well more than 30 percent of all Springs' sales.

Heading up the Wal-Mart team, Baker takes over from Tom Coughlin, who has left the company to pursue another opportunity. "We thank Tom for his many contributions to Springs and wish him all the best," said Tom O'Connor, executive vp of Springs.

Before joining the Wal-Mart team, Baker had been president of Springs' Basic Bedding division, formerly American Fiber Industries.

Assuming leadership of the basic bedding business on an interim basis is Lee Dubin, vp of sales and marketing for basic bedding.

Commenting on Baker's new responsibilities, Tom O'Connor said, "Chris came to Springs last August and has made significant strides in the continued integration of AFI into our business. With a wealth of supply chain, marketing and sales, operations and finance experience, Chris has the expertise necessary to add tremendous value to our partnership with Wal-Mart."

Before joining Springs, Baker had been president and coo of Network Systems International. Previously, he held a number of key posts at Pillowtex Corp., including president of operations.

In a related move, Susan Carroll has been named vp of bed and bath sales for Springs' Wal-Mart team. She had previously been vp of merchandising for shower curtains and bath accessories. She joined the company in 1980 and has held a number of increasingly responsible positions in sales and merchandising. She reports to Baker.