Bianca USA Names New Director
By Michele SanFilippo -- Home Textiles Today, 9/26/2005
New York — Towel producer Bianca USA has named industry veteran Gary Lyon as its new managing director, effective Sept. 12.
Lyon reports to Jose Pinheiro, CEO and president of parent firm Mundotextil S.A., which manufactures out of Vizela, Portugal. Previous managing director since 2002, Ricardo Abecassis, will focus on special projects.
Lyon's responsibilities include all sales, marketing, customer distribution and branding decisions for the North American region. His objectives are to broaden the company's towel distribution base and accelerate the launch of new brands, such as Lulu Guinness in bedding and bath, which will make its official debut in spring 2006.
Most recently, he was president of the Lyon International Group LLC, which managed various foreign firms' sales and marketing efforts in the United States. Prior to that, he spent 20-plus years at Cannon Mills and Springs Industries in sales and marketing roles.
Earlier this year, Bianca USA acquired exclusive distribution rights for the Cath Kidston Home Collection. The British designer brand, which hits retail shelves this month, targets select department stores and independents with branded bedding and bath collections that mix whimsical, classic and nostalgic looks.
