Geoffrey Hietpas

Geoffrey Hietpas has extensive experience in the apparel industry, with a focus on research and development. Geoffrey currently holds the position of Vice President of Market Development and Innovation at The LYCRA Company since December 2019. In this role, they lead a highly talented technical team and is a champion of continuous innovation in apparel, with a focus on sustainability, performance, and relevance.

Before joining The LYCRA Company, Geoffrey worked at INVISTA from 2004 to 2019, where they held the role of Apparel Technology Director. In this position, they were responsible for the development of polymers, fibers, fabrics, and garment innovations for apparel. Geoffrey also managed the vetting process for marketing performance claims and was a key leader in the R&D of the LYCRA(R) fiber business.

Prior to INVISTA, Geoffrey worked at DuPont from 1997 to 2004, where they held various roles including Researcher of Fibers and Nonwovens, Plant Engineer, and Technical Marketing. Geoffrey'swork involved conducting research and investigations in the nonwovens and apparel industry, coordinating plant trials, resolving issues with staple fibers for apparel yarns and nonwovens, and developing new fiber finishes.

Geoffrey began their career with an internship at SC Johnson Wax in 1992, where they gained experience in polymers.

Throughout their career, Geoffrey has been named as an inventor on more than 20 patents in textiles and has demonstrated strong leadership skills, budget management, and expertise in driving innovation in the apparel industry.

Geoffrey Hietpas holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Penn State University, which they completed in 1997. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1991.