The LYCRA Company has announced two major executive appointments aimed at driving innovation, accelerating product development, and enhancing operational integration.
Robert Johnston has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this expanded role, Johnston will now oversee product development in addition to operations and IT. With 35 years of experience at LYCRA and its predecessor companies, he brings deep institutional knowledge. He will also lead research and development talent, lab resources, and pilot production, aligning innovation efforts with the company’s long-term growth strategy.
Joining the company as Executive Vice President, Product, is Doug Kelliher, a seasoned industry expert with more than 30 years of product leadership experience. Kelliher has held senior roles at well-known companies including Timberland, Velcro, Polartec, and Milliken & Company. At LYCRA, he will be responsible for product management across all categories—fibres, fabrics, and garments. His focus will be on creating customer-centric, differentiated solutions that keep pace with evolving consumer demands.
Both Johnston and Kelliher will report directly to CEO Gary Smith, who emphasized that the leadership changes are designed to strengthen the company’s innovation pipeline and improve speed-to-market for new products.
These appointments signal LYCRA’s strategic commitment to integrating innovation with operations and product development. The company aims to remain at the forefront of the apparel, personal care, and hygiene markets by delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions in a rapidly changing global environment.
