Glenn J Chamandy is the co-founder and former CEO of Gildan Activewear, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of blank apparel, including t-shirts, fleece, and activewear. His entrepreneurial journey took Gildan from a small family-owned business in Montreal to a global leader in the apparel industry, known for its affordable, high-quality products. Chamandy’s vision, strategic focus, and commitment to vertical integration laid the foundation for Gildan’s global success.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Chamandy grew up immersed in the business world, with his family operating a children’s wear company called Harley Inc. Harley supplied clothing to Canadian retailers, and Chamandy’s early exposure to the textile and apparel industry became the foundation for his future endeavors. After completing his studies at Champlain College, he joined the family business full-time, gaining hands-on experience in manufacturing and distribution.
Founding Gildan in 1984
In 1984, Glenn J Chamandy and his cousin, Greg Chamandy, purchased a small knitting mill in Quebec. The initial goal was to produce textiles for Harley Inc.,1 but Glenn quickly identified a larger opportunity. He saw potential in producing blank t-shirts for the growing screen-printing and promotional products industries. The move to blank t-shirts was a pivotal moment for Gildan, setting the stage for the company’s evolution into a major player in the activewear market.
Building a Global Apparel Empire
Throughout the 1990s, under Chamandy’s leadership, Gildan focused on producing high-quality, affordable blank apparel. The brand’s vertically integrated business model—where Gildan controlled the production process from spinning yarn to stitching garments—allowed them to maintain consistent quality while keeping costs low. This approach quickly positioned Gildan as a trusted name in the wholesale apparel market.
In 1997, Chamandy made a major strategic move by opening Gildan’s first offshore manufacturing plant in Honduras.2 This facility enabled Gildan to significantly scale production, reduce costs, and meet growing demand.
Gildan’s Distribution Strategy and Supply Chain Efficiency
One of the key factors behind Gildan’s success is its strict and efficient supply chain management. Gildan operates with a vertically integrated manufacturing process, meaning they control every stage of production—from spinning the yarn to cutting and stitching the fabric. This integration allows them to maintain strict quality control, reduce costs, and ensure that their apparel meets high standards for durability and consistency.
However, when it comes to distribution, Gildan takes a different approach. Instead of handling all distribution internally, Gildan partners with a network of trusted wholesale distributors to supply their products throughout the United States and beyond. By leveraging established distributors, Gildan can ensure that their products reach a wide range of customers, from screen printers to individual buyers. Many customers, including businesses, charities, and printers, rely on wholesale distributors to purchase Gildan apparel in bulk. This combination of vertical manufacturing and third-party distribution allows Gildan to efficiently serve a vast market while focusing on what they do best—producing high-quality, affordable apparel and most especially heavy cotton t shirts.
Public Offering and Global Expansion
In 1998, Gildan went public with an initial public offering (IPO) on the Toronto Stock Exchange3. The additional capital allowed the company to expand its footprint across North America and beyond, establishing a firm presence in the U.S. market. Gildan’s success was rooted in its ability to offer consistent, high-quality products at competitive prices, making it the top choice for decorators, screen printers, and promotional product companies.
Gildan continued to diversify its offerings throughout the 2000s, moving beyond basic t-shirts to include activewear, fleece, and socks. Strategic acquisitions—including Comfort Colors, Anvil Holdings, and the iconic American Apparel brand—further strengthened Gildan’s position in the global apparel market. These acquisitions not only expanded Gildan’s product line but also increased its presence in new market segments, from fashion-forward consumers to eco-conscious buyers.
Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Chamandy’s leadership emphasized more than just growth; he was committed to building a socially and environmentally responsible company. Gildan invested heavily in sustainability initiatives, including energy-efficient manufacturing, water conservation, and ethical labor practices.4 These efforts earned Gildan numerous awards and recognitions for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, including being named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for several consecutive years.
Stepping Down as CEO
After nearly four decades at the helm, Glenn Chamandy stepped down as CEO of Gildan in December 2023. By this time, Gildan had grown to over 43,000 employees and generated more than $3.2 billion in annual revenue. Chamandy’s decision to step aside marked a significant transition for the company. Craig A. Leavitt was appointed as interim CEO, followed by Vince Tyra taking on the role as Chamandy’s long-term successor. As Mr. Chamandy rode off into the sunset in his attempted retirement Gildan’s leadership faltered coaxing Glenn back into a months long proxy battle ultimately reinstalling him as the leader of the apparel maker he founded 40 years ago. 5
Glenn J Chamandy Legacy
Glenn J Chamandy’s legacy is one of innovation, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His leadership transformed Gildan from a small family business into a global powerhouse. Chamandy’s focus on vertical integration and operational efficiency continues to influence Gildan’s business model today. Moreover, his dedication to ethical practices has left a lasting impact on the apparel industry as a whole.
Under his guidance, Gildan not only became a leader in the wholesale apparel space but also set new standards for sustainability and corporate responsibility. Chamandy’s journey as an entrepreneur is a testament to his ability to recognize market needs and act on them with precision and determination.
Conclusion
Even after stepping down, Glenn J Chamandy’s influence on the global apparel industry remains undeniable. His vision for Gildan—rooted in quality, affordability, and responsibility—continues to shape the company’s direction and success
- “Gildan.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Oct. 2024, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gildan ↩︎
- “Our Story” https://gildancorp.com/en/company/our-story/ ↩︎
- “Our Story” https://gildancorp.com/en/company/our-story/ ↩︎
- “ESG Report 2023” https://gildancorp.com/media/uploads/sustainability_reports/b23375_gildan_sustainability_report_14jun2024_r64uAK8.pdf ↩︎
- “Reinstalled Gildan CEO Chamandy Wants to Make T-Shirts for Less, Aug. 1, 2024 https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/reinstalled-gildan-ceo-chamandy-wants-to-make-t-shirts-for-less-6c6cbde9 ↩︎