RONKONKOMA, N.Y. — July 12, 2018 — Lakeland Industries Inc. — a global manufacturer of protective clothing for industry, healthcare and to first responders on the federal, state and local levels — today announced the appointment of Charles D. Roberson to the position of COO, effective immediately. Roberson’s appointment is a promotion from his role as the company’s senior vice president, head of International Sales & Research & Development. He replaces Stephen M. Bachelder who retired as COO from the company in March 2017.
“Charlie has been an invaluable contributor to Lakeland’s strategic direction and global growth for many years. As one of the industry’s most respected professionals, we are pleased to have appointed him as COO,” said Christopher J. Ryan, president and CEO of Lakeland Industries. “Under his leadership, we have doubled our international sales and elevated Lakeland to a very prominent worldwide market position. More recently, he also has spearheaded the development of new products which are unique to the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) market and are expected to continue to drive revenue growth and profitability.”
As COO, Roberson will leverage his 33 year career in textiles, 27 of which are in the PPE industry, to further enhance Lakeland’s sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, distribution and customer service activities. With six patents for PPE fabrics and garments, he was the designer of Lakeland’s ChemMAX chemical protection product line. His experience in the industry and with Lakeland position Roberson to accelerate the company’s new product initiatives, including the domestic and worldwide launch of innovative Arc/FR rated rainwear for the electric and gas utility sectors and disposable garments for pharmaceutical clean room applications.
Roberson, age 55, has served as Lakeland’s senior vice president of International Sales since March 2009 and head of Research & Development since 2008. In 2008, he added the responsibilities of being the company’s head of Research & Development. Roberson joined Lakeland in 2004 as Technical Marketing Manager and later served as International Sales Manager. He has represented Lakeland to various standards writing bodies and currently sits on the Board of Trustees for the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA). Prior to joining Lakeland, Roberson was employed by Precision Fabrics Group Inc. as a market manager from 1995 to 2001 and as a Nonwovens Manufacturing manager from 1991 to 1995. He began his career as a manufacturing manager for Burlington Industries Inc. in its Menswear Division from 1985 to 1991.
Posted July 13, 2018
Source: Lakeland Industries Inc.
