TEXTILES.ORG
Glen Raven Inc., a global leader in performance fabrics, has named Bret Kelley as the next president of its Trivantage LLC distribution business following the retirement of Steve Ellington, on Jan. 1, 2024. Kelley and Ellington, a former ATA (then IFAI) board chairman, will work closely during the transition to provide customers and industry with continued support.
“Bret is laser-focused on solutions for Trivantage customers,” said Leib Oehmig, CEO of Glen Raven, in a press release. “He demonstrates every day the power of relationships and puts the customer first and foremost in every decision. Bret’s vision and tireless energy will serve him well as the next president of Trivantage.”
Kelley has served as vice president of sales for Trivantage since 2014, and his career in the high-performance textile industry spans nearly 30 years. He joined Trivantage after 21 years with Highland Industries Inc., where he led sales and marketing efforts for technical fabrics in commercial, industrial and military applications.
“At Trivantage, we need to be where our customers are before they get there,” Kelley said. “Our partners are evolving at a rapid pace, and we are committed to their success over the long term. My priority is to ensure customers can count on Trivantage for new product innovation, best-in-class service and a customer experience that is second to none.”
Ellington has made a significant contribution to the growth of Glen Raven’s global business during his 41-year career with the company. He served as president and general manager of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics and was instrumental in the acquisition of Dickson-Constant, which established Glen Raven as a global company. He also was instrumental in the formation of Trivantage, one of Glen Raven’s largest global subsidiaries, and has led the distribution and marketing services business since 2009.
Ellington said Kelley’s passion for serving customers and earning their trust will continue to transform how Trivantage serves its partners.
“Bret’s deep industry knowledge, strategic vision and customer-centric approach make him the ideal choice to lead Trivantage into its next phase of growth,” Ellington said. “He is a trusted advisor who is steadfast in his commitment to our industry and the customers we serve. I look forward to working with Bret in the months ahead to ensure our transition is seamless and provide the support our customers count on from Trivantage.”