WILMINGTON, DE — The LYCRA Company appointed Hua Du as chief executive officer effective Sept. 14, installing a specialty chemicals veteran to lead the apparel-fiber business following the completion of its financial restructuring.
Du succeeds Dean Williams, who served as interim CEO during the transition and will remain chief financial officer.
The leadership change puts an executive with three decades of experience in specialty chemicals and biotech-based businesses at the helm as LYCRA moves into its post-restructuring phase.
Du most recently served as CEO of Grobest Group, a private equity-backed animal nutrition business. He oversaw an operational turnaround that culminated in the company’s sale.
Earlier in his career, Du held senior leadership positions at specialty chemicals company Rhodia, which was later acquired by Solvay. He also managed electronic materials businesses across Asia for Rohm and Haas before that company was acquired by Dow Chemical.
“His extensive technical expertise, operational leadership, and global customer focus” will help shape the company’s next phase, Executive Chairman Bruce Rubin stated.
Du indicated his priorities will include pursuing new growth opportunities while building on LYCRA’s existing fiber and materials-science operations.
“The LYCRA Company is built on a legacy of innovation, operational excellence, globally trusted brands, and deep expertise in fiber and materials science,” Du stated. “I am honored to join this exceptional organization as we unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.”
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