Milliken & Co. president and CEO Ashley Allen announced his plans to retire in May. The company noted that Joe Salley is set to succeed Allen after his retirement. Allen has close to 40 years of experience in the industry including as president of Milliken’s chemical division. Salley joined Milliken in 1994 is currently the company’s COO.

Judy Grillo

China-based hardwood and laminate flooring maker Nature Wood Flooring has appointed Judy Grillo general manager of U.S. operations following the opening of its office in Pennsylvania. Grillo comes to the company with extensive flooring and international sourcing experience.

Two flooring veterans have joined INSTALL’s international committee. Michael Gould, president of Gould Flooring Services in Highland, Ill., has close to four decades of experience in the industry and is president of the Flooring Industry Council of Greater St. Louis. Jamie Gilmore, president of Pavilion Floors in Boston, Mass., is a 23-year veteran and director of the Northeast Flooring Contractors Association.

Kirby Davis

Kirby Davis has joined Laticrete as senior architectural specialist for the South Central territory stretching from Texas to Tennessee. She was most recently a branch manager for Dal-Tile’s warehouse in Colorado Springs, where she was credited with increasing sales in top accounts.

Woody Hilscher

UFloor Systems has been named Woody Hilscher eastern sales manager. Hilscher has more than 30 years of wood flooring sales and distribution experience, most recently as a regional sales manager for Preverco.

Tyrone Johnson

Tyrone Johnson has been appointed general manager, North America, of Amtico International. He was most recently vp and general manager of Armstrong’s HomerWood Hardwood Flooring business. Hugh Pugsley, who filled the role in an interim capacity, will retain responsibility of manging the Business Development Team, Customer Service and Technical Services.

CCA Global Partners has named Rick Bennet co-CEO. Bennet comes to the role with a wide range of retailing, general management, and domestic and international experience. He was most recently president and CEO of Direct Holdings Worldwide, an international direct marketing business with holdings including Time Life entertainment. Additionally, he has close to 30 years of experience with the May Department Stores Co., including as vice chairman.

Thomas R. Peck, Sr.

Thomas R. Peck, Sr., co-founder of Seal Beach, Calif.-based Custom Building Products, died Jan 3. He was 91. He is remembered by colleagues for his “rare combination of genuine warmth and keen business vision that made him admired and loved by everyone he met.” See the full story by visiting the Today’s News archive on FlooringInsider.com.