Saxon succeeds Dunn at Culp; other execs also on the move

HIGH POINT, N.C. — Franklin Saxon has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of Culp, Inc., succeeding Howard Dunn, who takes the new post of vice chairman.

Dunn, who joined the company 32 years ago as one of its founders, will have executive responsibility for Culp's China operations and will remain involved in the company's design and product development activities. He has served in various service-management positions with responsibilities for sales, design, product development and manufacturing.

Saxon most recently was executive vice president and chief financial officer, as well as president of the Culp Velvets/Prints division. He has been with the company since 1983 and has served as a director since 1987.

Succeeding Saxon as president of Culp Prints/Velvets is Boyd Chumley, most recently vice president, manufacturing, for the division. He earlier held positions in finance, operations and manufacturing with the company.

Rodney Smith has been named president of the Culp Decorative Fabrics division. With the company since 1997, he most recently was senior vice president of the division. The post of president had not been filled for several years and Dunn served as ex-officio president during that period.

Robert Culp IV has been named president of the Culp Home Fashions division. He most recently was executive vice president of the division. Previously, there was no president for this unit.

Kenneth Bowling has been named vice president, finance and treasurer. With Culp since 1997, he most recently was corporate controller and assistant treasurer.