Pendleton names new CEO

After six generations with Bishop family members at the helm, Pendleton Woolen Mills named Bill Lawrence as its new CEO.

The Portland-based company employs about 900 people and buys about 4.2 million pounds of wool per year.

A principal with the turnaround and bankruptcy consulting firm Revitalization Partners of Seattle, Lawrence said Thursday he'd been hired by the Bishops to help prepare their company for the future. He helped the family create a plan, he said, and it made sense for him to stay on and manage Pendleton.

Lawrence, 59, said he doesn't replace a single CEO, as the job had recently been held jointly by several family members. C. M. (Mort) Bishop III will continue as Pendleton's president.

"To prepare for growth, the family felt they had to bring in some outside thinking," said Lawrence, adding that he sees a long future for himself with Pendleton. "We have a lot of opportunity to grow in the U.S. -- not only through our own brand and heritage but also by leveraging our brand with partnerships."

Read more at OregonLive.com.

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