Fruit of the Loom continues to remove layers of management between CEO John Holland and the operating units at the companies acquired in the Russell Corp. deal.
Doug Kelly, who joined Russell Athletic as president in September 2006, is leaving the company to “pursue other interests.” No new president will be appointed. Instead, Kelly's duties will be divided among several Russell executives, notably Gary Barfield, Matt Murphy and Geordie Shaw.
Barfield will lead the Russell Athletic and Spalding brands as EVP. Murphy was promoted to SVP for team sports and licensing, while Shaw will be the SVP of retail.
In a statement, Russell noted that Barfield and Murphy are long-term Russell Athletic veterans, having held various key management responsibilities within the company. Shaw has also been an integral part of the Spalding operation for several years.
