HIGH POINT, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2018--
Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP) today announced that Robert (Rob) G. Culp, III,
died on December 8, 2018, following complications related to leukemia.
Culp founded the company in 1972 with his father, Robert G. Culp, Jr. He
was named Chief Executive Officer in 1981 and served in that capacity
until 2007. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1990.
Under his leadership, the company has become one of the world’s largest
marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for
furniture with global operations and approximately 1,400 employees
worldwide.
Culp was well respected throughout the home furnishings industry and
remained active in trade associations throughout his career. He was also
deeply committed to his home community of High Point through various
philanthropic efforts along with his service on the downtown advisory
board and as a trustee of High Point University. Culp was an avid
supporter of his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, where he
received his bachelor’s degree in economics. He earned his MBA from the
Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Culp
served as a member of the board of directors of Old Dominion Freight
Line, Leggett & Platt and Slumberland.
Frank Saxon, vice chairman and chief executive officer of Culp, Inc.,
stated, “We deeply mourn the passing of our beloved friend, colleague,
and one of the company’s founders, Rob Culp. He was widely recognized as
a visionary and passionate leader who built a company known for
innovation and an unwavering commitment to our customers. He carried
this same vision with him in all activities with the company, and he
inspired everyone around him to strive for the same standards of
personal character and work ethic as he did. Rob had valued
relationships and deep ties within our industry, and he was highly
admired and respected both within our organization and throughout the
markets we serve. He will be greatly missed, especially for his sharp
wit, generosity and kindness. Inspired by his example, everyone
associated with Culp remains committed to Rob’s vision of excellence,
and we will continue to honor his memory in the management of Culp in
the years to come. As chief operating officer and president of Culp Home
Fashions, Iv Culp will play an important role in extending the legacy of
his father and grandfather, and I look forward to our continued work
together. On behalf of the management team and board of directors, we
extend our deepest sympathies to Rob’s wife, Susan, and to Iv and the
entire Culp family.”
Culp, Inc. is one of the world's largest marketers of mattress fabrics
for bedding and upholstery fabrics for residential and commercial
furniture. The company markets a variety of fabrics to its global
customer base of leading bedding and furniture companies, including
fabrics produced at Culp’s manufacturing facilities and fabrics sourced
through other suppliers. Culp has operations located in the United
States, Canada, China and Haiti.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181210005215/en/
Source: Culp, Inc.
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