fruit-of-the-loom-melissa_burgess_taylorFruit of the Loom, Inc. (PPAI 133342) has appointed Melissa Burgess-Taylor as the Bowling Green, Kentucky, supplier’s new chairman and CEO. She replaces Rick Medlin, who passed away on November 27.

“Rick lived and breathed Fruit of the Loom, and he was an inspirational leader to everyone associated with the company,” says Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Fruit of the Loom parent company Berkshire Hathaway. “He will be greatly missed. 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.”

Burgess-Taylor is currently the senior vice president of brand management and sales for Fruit of the Loom and Vanity Fair Brands and has been with the company for more than 17 years. In her current role, she leads marketing, merchandising, sales, brand communications and creative services for Fruit of the Loom, Vanity Fair, Lily of France, Vassarette and Curvation brands. Prior to joining Fruit of the Loom, Burgess-Taylor held roles with HanesBrands and Mercantile Department Stores.

Burgess-Taylor adds, “I’ve been fortunate to be a member of the Fruit of the Loom family and this great company for many years. 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.”