Mike Simko Email & Phone Number

Hoboken, Nj, Us

• Through market analysis and trends, product positioning and competitive landscape, shifted the company’s focus from bio-based commodities to bio-based value-add specialty chemicals and polymers. • Lead the marketing strategy for a patented family of chemistries to bring more durable functional finishes to hydrophilic (wicking) and hydrophobic (DWR) to textiles and carpets. Formulated asset-lite go-to-market strategy through developing relationships with existing Finishing Chemical suppliers.• Lead the commercial development of a PET 3D printer filament with bio-based additive that double print speed and improve quality over existing polyester alternatives.• Explored high-value markets for carbonized hydrothermal carbon (HTC) for mechanical rubber goods (MRG), tire reinforcement, and Sodium Ion battery anodes, resulting in commercial evaluations to validate value propositions and pricing strategies.• Introduced bio-based raw materials for the specialty diamines market bringing improved thermal and flame resistance to epoxies and thermoplastic nylon, as well as a pathway to make a bio-based Hexamethylenediamine (HMDA).

Hoboken, New Jersey, United States

Hoboken, New Jersey, United States

Sustainable Chemicals, Polymers, Materials, Fibers, Textiles, ApparelMarket Analysis and TrendsProduct Positioning and Value PricingCompetitive LandscapeMarket TargetsGo-to-Market Strategy and Product LaunchCommunications Strategy

Hoboken, Nj

• Built global marketing team to provide value-added sourcing services, new textile products, marketing content, and promotional and social media campaigns, growing share of differentiated products.• Increased customer intimacy throughout the textile value chain and by developing innovative and sustainable textiles solutions for global Brands and Retailers.• Drove new business development resulting in improved margins and volume growth for spandex, nylon and polyester. Emphasizing new sustainable products including bio-based and recycled spandexes, recycled nylon from fishing nets, and polyester from textile waste.• Assessed new product development needs, market opportunity analysis, product positioning, pricing strategies, and oversaw go-to-market plans.• Set new product development direction by evaluating the textile market and consumer trends through close relationships with influential apparel brands and retailers.

Hoboken, Nj

• Developed and executed marketing plans for Dyneema® branded products, the world’s strongest fiber. Grew business through market segment development for ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).• Identified business opportunities and negotiated formal business engagements resulting commercial adoptions for safe, durable and light weight chains to replace heavy steel, baseball stadium safety screening replacing bulky netting, and rope and cable applications for heavy lifts.

Summit, Nj

• Advised several Private Equity firms on Chemical and Fibers space during their due diligence for potential acquisition.• Consulted for a Fortune 2 company for go-to-market plans for their new polyester micro-fiber innovation and to reposition the acetate production assets into new higher-value markets.• Guided multiple smaller companies on launching technical innovation, product positioning, portfolio management, pricing/marketing strategy, profit optimization and competitive analysis.

Greater New York City Area

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, New York, NY• Responsible for acquiring innovative chemical treatment technologies to complement INVISTA’s specialty fibers business.• Identified and evaluated >60 potential acquisition targets, recently incorporating 5 into INVISTA’s portfolio.• Defined each innovation’s value-in-use and marketing positioning, as well as business model and route to market.• Successfully negotiated licensing agreements and supply contracts with suppliers in Belgium and Korea.BUSINESS DIRECTOR, New York, NY• Led start-up team for new and proprietary Polyurethane Urea film technology for stitch free garments, moving from lab-scale to commercial scale.• Identified/Selected three contract manufacturers, negotiated supply agreements, and implemented S&OP process.• Demonstrated the film’s value-in-use by gaining 5 adoptions at garment producers in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka; producers who to supply to brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Lane Bryant, and Maidenform.• Developed Marketing and Sales plans with positive P&L, and then transitioned to the INVISTA’s Asia sales team for implementation.BUSINESS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, New York, NY• Restructured DuPont's global textile nylon business ($600MM) upon transition to INVISTA ownership. • Improved profitability by $150 million in two years through pricing strategy and product transitions. • Analyzed and rationalized seven production facilities (U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, U.K. Germany, and Taiwan), optimizing product offering (~1000 SKUs) to turn the business to profitability. • Directed global sales teams with a refreshed and refined strategy for nylon textile fibers.

Greater New York City Area

GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGER, New York, NY• Developed long-range and competitive strategy for textile nylon yarn business ($600MM); implementing production and marketing plans for seven global production sites (U.S., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, U.K. Germany, and Taiwan) and four global sales regions. STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGER, New York, NY• Grew the North American nylon textile yarn business by 50% to $270MM by directing eight Account Managers, and planning/allocating six production facilities. • Integrated Mexican JV into the US/Canadian sales network and successfully implemented $300 million 3-year project, constructing three new production facilities, then shutting down three obsolete ones.• Created forecasting and planning systems to reduce inventory and working capital. • Developed and implemented plans to sell under-utilized production assets. ACCOUNT MANAGER, New York, NY• Responsible for all aspects of customer; managing multi-functional customer teams consisting of customer service, technical, marketing, R&D and credit. • Increased fiber sales (LYCRA® spandex, DACRON® polyester, nylon) by 50% in three years to $70 million by developing and administering sales/marketing plans, improving customer service, and championing new product development and technical assistance.BRAND/PRODUCT MANAGER, New York, NY• Doubled sales for COOLMAX® branded ingredient to $10 million through branding strategy aimed at performance sports apparel. Managed $3MM AP&P budget, developed detailed marketing/pricing strategies. • Converted a high price loss leader product line to a viable business with a targeted marketing approach, using strategic price decisions and a cost reduction program. MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, Kinston, NC.RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER, Wilmington, DE

Master Of Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Master Of Business Administration - Mba, Marketing/Marketing Management, General, Completed 24 Credits

Master’S Degree, Management

Bachelor Of Engineering - Be, Chemical Engineering