Basic apparel company Hanes Brands has announced transition of leadership – with the current CEO, Richard Noll becoming the new COO and executive chairman and the current COO, Gerald Evans becoming the new CEO – with effect from October 1, 2016.

Evans has also been appointed as the eleventh member of its board of directors with immediate effect.

The transition is a result of the board’s continuous leadership succession planning for the company’s senior ranks.

As COO of the company since 2013, Evans has remained a successful leader across marketing, sales and supply chain. He has held the responsibility of running the $6 billion company on a day-to-day basis.

Commenting on the transition, Richard Noll said, “This is the perfect time to transition our leadership. Our business is healthy, our acquisitions are performing well, and we have a very bright future.”

“I have full confidence in Gerald’s readiness, ability, and vision to drive the business to even greater heights as CEO,” he added.

Additionally, Evans said,” I am honored to become CEO and look forward to driving the organisation to the next level of success. Along with our worldwide employees, I am committed to maximising the value we can create as the very best basics apparel company in the world.”