Hanesbrands Inc.  announced membership changes to the company’s board of directors, the establishment of a lead director position, and the completion of its planned spinoff leadership succession. Charles W. Coker, 75, will retire from the company’s board of directors effective Dec. 8, 2008.


A member of the board since the company became independent, Coker has served as chairman of the board’s compensation committee and as presiding director and was instrumental in Hanesbrands transition as an independent company.


“We owe a debt of gratitude to Charlie for his tremendous service to the company,” Hanesbrands chief executive officer Richard A. Noll said. “Charlie played an integral role in providing leadership and guidance during our transition. We have all benefited from his intelligence, vast experience, impeccable character and sage counsel.”


To fill the board’s tenth position after Coker’s retirement, Ann E. Ziegler, senior vice president and chief financial officer of CDW Corporation, has been elected to the company’s board of directors, effective Dec. 8, 2008. Ziegler, 50, will serve for a term scheduled to end at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders.


Ziegler has held senior positions for 20 years in finance, corporate development and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to her position at CDW of Vernon Hills, Ill., she was chief financial officer of various Sara Lee Corporation divisions from 2003 to 2008. She holds a law degree and worked for the law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in Chicago from 1986 to 1993.


“We are very pleased to have a professional of Ann’s capabilities and accomplishments join the board of Hanesbrands,” Noll said. “Her experience and skills in finance, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions will be a tremendous benefit to our company.”