by BURLINGTON, N.C. — Performance fabric resource Glen Raven Inc. has promoted Bret Kelley to president of its Trivantage distribution business.
He fills a role held by Steve Ellington, who is retiring Jan. 1, 2024. The company said the two executives will work closely together during the transition over the next several months “to provide customers and industry with continued support.”
Kelley, who has worked in the high-performance textile industry for the past 30 years, has been with Trivantage for nearly nine years as vice president of sales.
Before that, he was with Highland Industries for 21 years, 12 of which were as director of sales and marketing. He also previously was business manager and product manager for Highland for a combined six and a half years and before that was a sales representative for two and a half years.
Before joining Highland, he was a sales representative for Ferguson Enterprises for just over three years.
“Bret is laser-focused on solutions for Trivantage customers,” said Lieb Oehmig, chief executive officer. “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.”
Glen Raven also has recognized 41-year company veteran Steve Ellington, who also previously was president and general manager of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics. The company said he was “instrumental in the acquisition of Dickson-Constant, which established Glen Raven as a global company.”
In addition, the company noted, he was instrumental in the formation of Trivantage, one of the company’s largest subsidiaries. Ellington has led this 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 adviser 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.”
Kelley said he looks forward to his new role with the company.
“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.”
