HIGH POINT, N.C. — September 20, 2018 — Culp Inc. today announced the company’s board of directors has approved changes in the executive management structure of the company, effective October 1, 2018.
Robert G. (Rob) Culp, III, one of the company’s founders, will remain as chairman of the board, but he will change his role to become less involved in the day to day management of the company. He will continue in his role as a strategic advisor and remain involved in customer and home furnishings industry relationships.
Franklin N. Saxon, president and CEO of Culp Inc., will assume the additional role of vice chairman of the board of directors. Saxon joined the company in 1983 and has been a member of the board since 1987. He has served as president and chief executive officer since 2007.
Robert G. (Iv) Culp, IV, president of Culp Home Fashions, the company’s mattress fabrics division, has been named chief operating officer of Culp Inc. He will assume expanded responsibilities for overseeing the operations of all the company’s businesses, in addition to his continued leadership of Culp Home Fashions. Iv Culp has been employed by the company since 1998 and has served in various capacities during his tenure, including as division president since 2004. Boyd B. Chumbley will continue to serve as president of Culp Upholstery Fabrics, and Paul Saunders will continue as chief executive officer of eLuxury, the company’s new e-commerce division. Both will report to Iv Culp in his new role.
“I have been very fortunate to serve this company since the day it opened,” Culp III said. “At the same time, I am happy to have the opportunity to turn more of the daily management of the firm over to others, and I have complete confidence in their ability to keep Culp Inc. on a successful trajectory. These changes are part of a natural evolution for the company’s leadership. The entire board is excited about the energy and vision of our leadership team. I look forward to participating with them in the company’s continued success.”
“We have a deep and talented management group that is functioning well together,” said Saxon. “I expect a smooth transition as we continue working to maintain Culp’s position as a premier provider of products for the home furnishings industry. Iv Culp is an excellent manager who has proven himself while leading the growth and success of the mattress fabrics division. He is very well suited by experience and talent to take on additional responsibilities as our chief operating officer. I know he will perform well in this expanded role.
“We are also very pleased that we will continue to have the leadership and guidance that Rob Culp has provided to the company since its founding. Rob has unparalleled relationships within our industry, and he is highly admired and respected both within our organization and throughout the markets we serve,” added Saxon.
Posted September 21, 2018
Source: Culp
