Griggs, Aides Take Helm at Woolrich

March 21, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in on March 2007 Outdoor apparel and lifestyle brand Woolrich announced Wednesday that it has named James Griggs president, and Charles Aides chairman of the board. The moves are part of a succession plan in response to the untimely death of Woolrich president and CEO, Roswell Brayton Jr., last week.

Griggs most recently had been vice president of finance. He joined Woolrich, Woolrich, Pa., in 1987 and has held various positions in finance and accounting. He was named vice president of finance in 2005 and named to the Woolrich board of directors in 2006. He is a native of Williamsport, Pa., and a graduate of Bloomsburg University.

Aides adds the chairman responsibilities to his duties as senior vice president of apparel manufacturing and sourcing. He began his career with Woolrich in 1989 as the group-manufacturing manager of the southern/western division located in Ailey, Ga. Aides moved to Woolrich headquarters in 1994 when he was promoted to vice president of apparel manufacturing and sourcing. He currently serves as senior vice president of apparel manufacturing and sourcing, a position he has held since 1999. Aides was named to the Woolrich board of directors in 1997. Born in Newnan, Ga., he is a graduate of Georgia State University.

“It is a sad and tragic situation,” Griggs said in a release. “But we must move forward for the sake of the company and the employees. Roz cared deeply about Woolrich and he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. We have a great group of people here at Woolrich and that will make this transition easier.”

“We intend to proceed in the direction that Roz established,” said Aides. “He had a vision for the company that remains unchanged. I look forward to working with this team to continue with his plans.”