chief operating officer, Milliken & Company, has been named CEO of the Spartanburg-based
business. Allen succeeds CEO Roger Milliken, who continues as chairman of the board.
“In an era when so many companies go outside to pick a new CEO, it gives Milliken’s
directors and me strong confidence that our long-term policy of careful recruiting, continuing
education in Milliken University and cross promotion is working,” Milliken said.
Allen began his career as a research chemist at Milliken Research Corp. in 1969. Subsequently, he
served in various managerial positions, including president of the Chemical & Packaging
Division, Chemical & Industrial Specialties Division and Milliken Research Corp., prior to his
most recent position.
Allen earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Washington & Lee University,
Lexington, Va.; and a doctorate in organic chemistry from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., where
he also was a postdoctoral fellow. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, Management
Executives’ Society, Executive Committee of the Society of Chemical Industry, Spartanburg Regional
Healthcare Foundation Board of Trustees, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, Charles Lea
Foundation Board of Directors and Episcopal Church of the Advent.
Joe Salley, Ph.D., division president, worldwide Performance Fabrics, succeeds Allen as
chief operating officer.
January/February 2006
