After 40 years in the flooring business including a decade with Mohawk Industries, Ed Williams, said he plans to retire from his post as Mohawk's senior vp of marketing. Williams joined the company in 1996 in that position and is described by company officials as the "driving influence to unify all of the various brands Mohawk had purchased through acquisition." Under Williams' leadership the company consolidated more than a dozen well-established brands under one corporate identity. He also helped pioneer Mohawk Floorscapes, Mohawk ColorCenter, and Mohawk Floorz and other marketing initiatives, and helped establish Mohawk extensive training program.

Williams began his career with Evans & Black Carpet Co. in 1964, rising through the ranks of sales and management before joining Galaxy Carpet Mills in 1972. After a stint at Galaxy, Williams launched his own company, North American Carpet Corp., which became a leader in the international export market. By coincidence, Williams sold North American to Galaxy in 1986 and rejoined the company. He went on to become president and coo of Galaxy Carpet Mills until the purchase of Galaxy by Mohawk Industries in 1996.

"Ed Williams is one of the reasons that Mohawk is the preferred brand of flooring by consumers and dealers alike," said Tom Lape, Mohawk's Residential Division president. "His guidance and foresight amplified the impact of Mohawk's acquisitions by making many diverse groups and ideas work as one. His work changed the face of our industry, and created new ways of reaching consumers.

"Our dealers are seeing the impact of Ed Williams' legacy on their bottom lines every day," he said.