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Fruit of the Loom Mourns Loss of CEO, Taps Replacement



December 2, 2016

Rick Medlin, president and CEO of Fruit of the Loom Inc., Bowling Green, Ky., passed away of natural causes on earlier this week.

Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, addressed the Fruit of the Loom leadership team following Medlin’s unexpected passing.

“Rick lived and breathed Fruit of the Loom, and he was an inspirational leader to everyone associated with the company,” Buffett said. “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.”

Medlin was named president and CEO of the company in August 2010. Prior to becoming CEO, he served in other roles there, including executive vice president of operations, senior vice president of manufacturing and vice president of textile manufacturing.


Fruit of the Loom announced today that Melissa Burgess-Taylor has been named the company’s new chairwoman and CEO.
melissa burgess taylor
Currently senior vice president of brand management and sales for the Fruit of the Loom and Vanity Fair brands, she has been with the company for more than 17 years.

“I am excited to have Melissa take on this important role as CEO,” Buffett says. “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 has held various leadership roles within the company. In her current role, she leads marketing, merchandising, sales, brand communications and creative services for the Fruit of the Loom, Vanity Fair, Lily of France, Vassarette and Curvation brands. Prior to joining Fruit of the Loom, she held roles with Hanesbrands and Mercantile Department Stores. — J.L.


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