Collins & Aikman Corporation Appoints J. Michael Stepp Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

TROY, Mich., May 21 Collins & Aikman Corporation today announced the appointment of J. Michael Stepp as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. He will report to Collins & Aikman's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Thomas E. Evans, who made today's announcement.

Previously, Stepp had served as Collins & Aikman's interim-Chief Financial Officer since January 2, 2002. In addition to overseeing the company's treasury, financial planning and reporting, accounting, and information systems, Stepp will now oversee the company's legal, investor relations and corporate communications functions.

"I'm extremely pleased to have attracted Mike Stepp back to Collins & Aikman. I've worked closely with Mike over several years and I am confident that his extensive experience with our company will be invaluable as we move forward in our building process for the 'new' Collins & Aikman Corporation," Evans said.

Stepp, who will be located at Collins & Aikman's new Global Headquarters and Technology Campus in Troy, Michigan, will continue to serve on the company's Board of Directors and become a member of the Management Committee. From 1995 to 1999, Stepp served as Collins & Aikman's executive vice president and chief financial officer, and subsequently served as executive vice president for corporate planning and development. He served as a consultant to the company in 2000 and 2001 until being named Senior Managing Director at Heartland Industrial Partners in February 2001. He holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., and a Master's of Business Degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in California.

Collins & Aikman Corporation is a global leader in cockpit modules and automotive floor and acoustic systems and a leading supplier of instrument panels, automotive fabric, plastic-based trim, and convertible top systems. The company's operations span the globe through 15 countries, more than 120 facilities and over 25,000 employees who are committed to achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine superior design, styling and manufacturing capabilities with NVH "quiet" technologies that are among the most effective in the industry. Information about Collins & Aikman is available on the Internet at www.collinsaikman.com .