Brown Jordan International focuses on its core, names Gene J. Moriarty president and CEO

Cinde W. Ingram -- Casual Living, 8/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Under new management, Brown Jordan International, Inc., returned its focus to its core brands and indicated its new direction during last month's premarket.

Products, such as South Seas and Hana formerly under the Tommy Bahama by Brown Jordan International licensed brand, were changed slightly and pulled into the Brown Jordan line. Brown Jordan introduced five collections while Winston debuted five. The Tradewinds wrought iron line was missing and teak, formerly part of collaboration with Werner Woods, had become part of the Brown Jordan line.

"We are the brand," said Stephen Elton, a veteran Brown Jordan sales rep. "Why should we spend money promoting another brand? Brown Jordan has been the brand since 1945 and goes back to what Mr. (Bob) Brown said in the 1940s. It's back to a focus on our core. Winston's all about performance and Brown Jordan is all about product."

BJI recently named Gene J. Moriarty as president and CEO, replacing Jim Malone, who will continue his role as vice chairman.

"We are grateful for the reorganization, stabilization and significant operating improvements that Jim brought to the company during his time as CEO," said Earl W. Powell, chairman and CEO of Trivest Partners, L.P., BJI's parent firm "His transition to vice chairman is a logical move that was intended after the appropriate progress was made. Gene is the ideal candidate to continue leading the business to its financial and operational goals. His extensive leadership experience at major corporations has already proved to be an enormous asset to BJI."

Moriarty, who joined BJI in May as president and chief operating officer, is a seasoned business executive with hands-on experience in consumer products companies, including Evenflo Co. From 1997 to 2000, Moriarty was vice president, sales and marketing for Playtex Products. He also has held positions with Meridian Consulting Group, Warner Vision Entertainment, Thompson Medical Co. and Tambrands, Inc.

"I appreciate the many contributions Jim made to the company and look forward to working with him in the future in our new roles," Moriarty said.

In early July, Bill Echols resigned as president, Specialty Retail and Outdoor Contract Division. Echols' announcement came two weeks after BJI announced Ron Ball resigned as vice president, Specialty Retail Sales. Ball has returned to his previous role as an independent sales rep.

Going forward, the Specialty Division "will center on strengthening our customer relationships and building brand value through a more focused new product development process," Moriarty said.