Dalton-based Shaw Industries Group announced its chair and longtime former CEO, Vance Bell, returned to the office of chief executive.
Bell assumed the role of CEO effective immediately after the departure of Tim Baucom, Shaw announced Monday. Baucom became CEO in 2021 after Vance stepped down to become chair.
“During Tim’s 34-year career at Shaw, he has exhibited Shaw’s values of honesty, integrity and passion. We thank Tim for his contributions to the company and wish him well in the future,” Bell said in a press release. “Shaw has a strong position in the market and significant opportunities ahead. I have full confidence in our team and our ability to deliver on these opportunities to serve our customers.”
Shaw declined a request for an interview with Bell to understand his reason for returning to the role. In 2021, Bell said it was time for him to “provide room for another generation of leadership” after his 45 years with the company. Bell will continue serving as chair along with his duties as CEO.
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Baucom worked at Shaw since 1992 and made “significant contributions” during his tenure, the company said in the announcement.
Shaw is often described as the world’s largest carpet manufacturer, with more than $5 billion in annual sales and around 18,000 employees across the world.
Since 2002, Shaw has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, the holding company led for decades by legendary investor Warren Buffett. Berkshire Hathaway completed a purchase of majority ownership in Shaw for $2 billion in 2001 and acquired the remaining shares for $355 million a year later.
Bell, 75, first became CEO in 2006, when founder Bob Shaw retired after nearly 50 years leading the company. Bell diversified the company’s flooring products and expanded its manufacturing into China and Scotland.
Bell was born in Macon, Georgia, and graduated from Georgia Tech in 1973 with a degree in industrial management, according to his entry in the World Floor Covering Association Hall of Fame. He joined Shaw in 1975.
Shaw designs and makes more than 3,800 styles of carpet, wood and resilient flooring, according to Berkshire Hathaway’s most recent annual report. The company’s operations are “fully integrated from the processing of raw materials used to make fiber through the carpet finishing,” according to the report. The company processed around 92% of the carpet yarn needed for its process in its own facilities last year.
Shaw products are sold across the world to more than 42,000 retailers, distributors and commercial users. Shaw’s portfolio of brands include Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Shaw Floors, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Sports Turf and Watershed Geo.
As a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Shaw does not disclose earnings for its top executives.
Contact business reporter Daniel Dassow at ddassow@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6318.