HanesBrands CEO Recognized as Most-Admired CEO by Triad Business Journal

HanesBrands announces its chief executive officer Gerald W. Evans Jr. has been recognized as a most-admired CEO in the Piedmont Triad, North Carolina, region with a 2020 C-Suite Award from the Triad Business Journal.

Evans joined HanesBrands in 1983 after earning his MBA from the University of South Carolina. He served in a variety of roles, including international assignments and COO, before taking on CEO in 2016.

“Gerald has been an invaluable member of the HanesBrands team during his 37 years of dedicated service,” says Ronald L. Nelson, the company’s chairman of the board. “Under his leadership, the company has expanded its geographic footprint, broadened its portfolio of premium brand offerings, and pioneered product, process, and supply chain innovation to help transform Hanes into the world’s largest everyday basic apparel company.”

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Evans led the company’s effort in the production of more than 450 million washable and reusable all-cotton face masks. He also marshaled the company’s apparel design and manufacturing expertise to quickly fulfill the critical need of the U.S. government for more than 20 million medical gowns distributed to hospitals and healthcare facilities.

“I am truly honored to be recognized with this award, but even more proud to represent HanesBrands’ 60,000-plus employees in North Carolina and around the globe,” Evans adds. “What our amazing team has been able to accomplish through the years, even during some of the most challenging circumstances, has never ceased to impress me. That’s why this award is as much theirs as it is mine—and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Under his leadership, the company has increased earnings per share, as well as annual revenue and operating cash flow. Evans has guided the rapid growth of the company’s international commercial operations, overseen the doubling of Champion brand sales, and championed increased consumer-directed sales.

Evans is an active member of the CEO Roundtable, a business group of company presidents, owners, and CEOs. He sits on the Valvoline board of directors and is a member of the group’s compensation and governance and nominating committees. During his tenure at HanesBrands, Evans and his wife, Lee, have been leaders in the community, giving both their time and resources to support many organizations and initiatives.

Earlier this year, Evans announced his retirement, effective Aug. 3. Evans will oversee the leadership transition and remain as an advisor to the company through 2021. Stephen B. Bratspies, who most recently served as the chief merchandising officer at Walmart Inc., will succeed Evans as HanesBrands CEO.

For more information, visit www.hanes.com/corporate.