Culp, Inc.’s board of directors has approved a change in the executive management structure of the company, effective September 1.
Franklin N. Saxon, the company’s current executive chairman and former chief executive officer, will alter his role and be less involved in the day-to-day management of the company. Saxon will remain as chairman of the board, and he will continue in his role as a strategic advisor.
His transition follows a tenure with Culp of nearly 40 years. Saxon joined the company in 1983 and has been a member of the board since 1987. He has served in various capacities, including chief financial officer from 1985 to 1998; president of the Culp Velvets/Prints division from 1998 to 2004; president and chief operating officer from 2004 to 2007; and chief executive officer from 2007 to 2019. He has served as executive chairman since Jan. 1, 2020.
“The transition of Frank Saxon to non-executive chairman reflects the continuation of our board’s long-standing executive succession planning process,” said Iv Culp, president and chief executive officer. “I am extremely grateful for Frank’s incredible leadership and stewardship over the course of his long tenure with Culp. He has left an indelible mark on our company because of his commitment to excellence, integrity and his extensive business knowledge.
“We thank Frank for his many years of dedicated service and recognize his invaluable contributions to Culp’s growth and success,” Culp continued. “We are pleased that we will continue to benefit from his experience and guidance as board chairman and strategic advisor to the company.”
