Fruit of the Loom (asi/84257) has named Melissa Burgess-Taylor as the company’s new chairman and CEO. She is a 17-year veteran of the company and currently serves as senior vice president of brand management and sales for Fruit of the Loom and the company's Vanity Fair bra and underwear brands. Burgess-Taylor replaces Rick Medlin, the previous president and CEO who died on November 27 at the age of 68.

“I am excited to have Melissa take on this important role as CEO,” said Warren Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway company owns Fruit of the Loom. “Already an accomplished Fruit of the Loom leader, she is passionate, smart, and cares deeply about Fruit of the Loom customers and employees. She understands the importance of building a great brand, and she’ll add tremendous value to Fruit of the Loom going forward.”

Burgess-Taylor previously worked for Hanes Brands and Mercantile Department Stores before joining Fruit of the Loom. “I’ve been fortunate to be a member of the Fruit of the Loom family and this great company for many years. We have succeeded due to our people, our strong brands and the powerful relationships we have with our customers,” Burgess-Taylor said. “I am grateful for Mr. Medlin’s strong leadership and mentorship, and I am deeply committed to continuing to move us forward.”

Medlin was named CEO in 2010. “Rick lived and breathed Fruit of the Loom, and he was an inspirational leader to everyone associated with the company,” said Buffett. “He will be greatly missed.”