Capel names Eric Birnbach as president, CEO

Will start in October

-- Casual Living, 9/19/2005 8:16:00 AM

Capel Incorporated, manufacturer and importer of area rugs since 1917, announced Eric Birnbach has joined the company as president and CEO of Capel Inc.; Capelsie Mills, Inc.; and Capel Real Estate and Development Corporation. Birnbach will be based in Capel's corporate office in Troy, N.C., and will begin his duties the first week of October.

This is the first time since the company's inception in 1917 that a non-family member will lead the operation. A. Leon Capel, Jr., Jesse S. Capel, and Arron W. E. Capel will retire as executive officers effective Oct. 1, but the brothers will remain as directors of the Capel corporations.

In a statement, the three executive officers said Capel conducted extensive national research and the brothers "are confident that, with his 26 years of experience in the home furnishing industry, Eric brings outstanding management competence and impeccable leadership skills to Capel."

Over the past two decades, Birnbach has served in numerous leadership capacities with companies in the upholstery, textile and top of the bed areas of the home furnishings industry. Birnbach and his family will relocate to the Troy area from New Jersey.