The LYCRA Company announces key executive appointments

Robert Johnston has been promoted to chief operating officer from his previous role as executive vice president, operations, and Doug Kelliher has been appointed executive vice president, product. Kelliher will join the company’s global leadership team, while Johnston continues in his leadership capacity. Both executives report directly to CEO Gary Smith.

The LYCRA Company has announced leadership changes to drive growth and innovation.
Robert Johnston, a 35-year veteran, is promoted to COO, expanding his role to include product development alongside operations and IT.
Doug Kelliher, with 30+ years in product leadership, joins as EVP, product.
Both report to CEO Gary Smith, aiming to accelerate innovation and deliver value-driven solutions.

Robert Johnston, Chief Operating Officer

Johnston, a 35-year veteran of The LYCRA Company and its predecessor organizations, will expand his leadership to include product development, in addition to his current oversight of global manufacturing operations and IT. In his new role, Johnston will manage R&D talent, lab resources, and pilot production to drive innovation across the product portfolio, supporting strategic growth priorities identified by Kelliher’s team.

“I’m honored to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer and help shape the future of our innovation pipeline,” said Johnston. “Our teams around the world are deeply committed to excellence, and I look forward to working across functions to strengthen our operations and advance product development.”

Doug Kelliher, EVP, Product

Kelliher will lead the product management team in developing and executing strategy across fibers, fabrics, and garments. His team works to deliver differentiated solutions that add value and meet the needs of today’s consumer. With more than 30 years of product leadership experience at Timberland, Velcro Companies, Polartec and Milliken & Company, Kelliher brings deep expertise to his role.

“I’m thrilled to join The LYCRA Company and contribute to its legacy of innovation,” said Kelliher. “With the strength of our global team and a clear focus on differentiated products that fulfill market demands, I’m confident we can unlock new growth opportunities and deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

“As the apparel industry continues to evolve, our focus remains on delivering high-performance solutions that meet consumer needs and help brands and retailers differentiate and thrive,” said Gary Smith, CEO of The LYCRA Company. “Doug and Robert bring exceptional leadership, vision, and industry expertise to their roles, strengthening our ability to co-create with customers, accelerate innovation, and bring transformative technologies to market faster and more efficiently.”

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)