Craigavon, Northern Ireland, Mar. 5—Mike Mills, chief executive of Ulster Carpet Mills, is stepping down after 15 years as head of one of the world’s finest carpet manufacturers, it was announced yesterday, as reported by IC Northern Ireland.
Mr Mills, 56, is credited with leading the Portadown company to worldwide acclaim and helping it achieve an unrivalled reputation as a producer of luxurious carpets for customers across the globe.
The company, which employs around 500 people in Portadown and 900 at operations in England, South Africa, Australia, and Denmark manufactures carpets for luxury hotels, ocean liners and casinos.
Mr Mills' successor has been named as Nicky Coburn, who previously held the position of international sales director at Ulster Carpet Mills.
Speaking to the News Letter, Mr Mills said he was leaving the company with much regret, but said he had enjoyed a "fantastic" career.
"We have gone from being quite a small company, to becoming a global organisation and selling internationally with the highest possible reputation.
"It is a wonderful company, and I am sorry to leave it but it is the right time.
"It is time for young blood and fresh ideas and, in Nicky Coburn, the company is very fortunate to have a young man of great experience and great determination. I know he is going to lead the company from strength to strength."
Mr Mills has led the company through a particularly bleak period for the textile industry with many companies forced to close and thousands of jobs lost.
He said it was "not an easy time" for the industry, but Ulster Carpet Mills remained "strong."
Mr Mills said he would continue his relationship with the company in a consultancy capacity, but was seeking fresh challenges in business.
"I will be able to apply my energies elsewhere and will possibly take-up some non-executive directorships roles. However, it is time for new challenges and I am looking forward to them."
Ulster Carpet Mills most recent success was in winning a multi-million pound contract to supply Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
Mr Mills, who spent 18 years with Esso Petroleum, is president of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce - a post which he will hold until May.
