Fruit of the Loom Names New CEO

Fruit of the Loom appointed Melissa Burgess-Taylor as chairman and CEO. (Image via press release)

Fruit of the Loom, Bowling Green, Ky., has appointed Melissa Burgess-Taylor as the new chairman and CEO following former CEO Rick Medlin's death this week.

Burgess-Taylor currently is the senior vice president of brand management and sales for Fruit of the Loom and Vanity Fair brands.

"Rick lived and breathed Fruit of the Loom, and he was an inspirational leader to everyone associated with the company," Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, parent company of Fruit of the Loom, said in a press release. "His contributions were significant and his legacy will continue through the success of Fruit of the Loom and the employees. I am excited to have Melissa take on this important role as CEO. Already an accomplished Fruit of the Loom leader, she is passionate, smart, and cares deeply about Fruit of the Loom customers and employees. She understands the importance of building a great brand, and she'll add tremendous value to Fruit of the Loom going forward."

Before joining Fruit of the Loom, Burgess-Taylor held positions at Hanesbrands Inc. and Mercantile Department Stores.

"I've been fortunate to be a member of the Fruit of the Loom family and this great company for many years," Burgess-Taylor said in a press release. "We have succeeded due to our people, our strong brands and the powerful relationships we have with our customers. I am grateful for Mr. Medlin's strong leadership and mentorship, and I am deeply committed to continuing to move us forward."

For more information on Fruit of the Loom, visit www.fruit.com.