We are thrilled to share the news that Bret Kelley, our vice president of sales since 2014, will be the next president of Trivantage. Steve Ellington, who joined Glen Raven in 1983 and has led Trivantage since 2009, has announced his plans to retire on January 1, 2024. Bret and Steve will work closely in the months ahead to ensure the transition is seamless and provide you and our industry with continued support.
Bret is no stranger to the high-performance textile industry. He joined Trivantage after 21 years with Highland Industries, Inc., where he led sales and marketing efforts for technical fabrics in commercial, industrial, and military applications. During his tenure at Trivantage, his focus has not wavered on identifying solutions for our customers.
In making the announcement, Bret said: “At Trivantage, we need to be where our customers are before they get there. 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.”
It’s hard to put into words how much Steve means to Trivantage, Glen Raven, and the industry. He served as president and general manager of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, the makers of Sunbrella®, and was instrumental in the acquisition of Dickson-Constant, which established Glen Raven as a global company. He also was instrumental in the formation of Trivantage, which due to his leadership is today one of Glen Raven’s largest subsidiaries. Steve’s contribution to the growth of Glen Raven’s global business during his 41-year career with the company is nothing short of remarkable.
If you know Bret you are already well aware of his passion for partnering with customers, and Steve noted how his focus on partnerships will continue to transform Trivantage in the years ahead: “Bret’s deep industry knowledge, strategic vision, and customer-centric approach make him the ideal choice to lead Trivantage. He is a trusted advisor who is steadfast in his commitment to our industry and the customers we serve.”
Please join all of us at Trivantage in congratulating Bret on his new role and recognizing Steve for his tireless efforts in the industry we support.
