AMHERST, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--OrthoLite, the leading provider of comfort and performance insoles, announces the appointment of John Barrett as chief operating officer (COO) and retaining of Skip Lei as director of product innovation. Barrett, formerly general manager of Asia, will now oversee all Asian operations and guide the fast-growing company. Lei, of Evergreen Innovations, will develop new products for OrthoLite customers and support the product needs of OrthoLite’s industry leading sales organization.
John Barrett was promoted to COO from his former position as general manager of Asia, where his primary responsibilities were to oversee organizational operations in the OrthoLite facilities and business centers in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Korea. As part of his role, he helped maintain customer-supplier relationships in the expanded Asia/SE Asia region, and analyzed and executed the company’s strategic business initiatives throughout Asia. In his new role, Barrett will be responsible for all Asian operations including manufacturing, research and development, sustainability initiatives, product development, human resources, finance and administration.
“OrthoLite continues to expand as the leading comfort insole brand while strengthening relationships with partners across the globe,” said Glenn Barrett, OrthoLite chief executive officer. “John has a deep understanding of our company vision, and because of his proven track record of success, we expect he will help the brand continue to advance in the marketplace. We are excited to see his professional growth and welcome him into his new position.”
To further the brand’s ongoing commitment to innovation and product development, OrthoLite aligned with Evergreen Innovations, a product creation and innovation organization responsible for multiple patents, trademarks, branding solutions and strategic guidance. Skip Lei, owner of Evergreen Innovations, has direct responsibility for diversification of the OrthoLite brand. Lei will work across all departments within OrthoLite and work closely with the sales organization and the Asian product development team to bring new products to the marketplace and to OrthoLite customers.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Skip to the OrthoLite team and I look forward to working with him closely,” said John Barrett, OrthoLite COO. “He has more than 30 years of footwear product and leadership experience with Nike, Inc. and their affiliate brands Cole Haan, Converse, and Hurley. We look forward to collaborating with Skip and Evergreen Innovations to deliver exciting new products to our customers.”
Founded in 1997, OrthoLite’s mission is to provide high quality and comfortable shoe insoles and support the unique structure of the foot. The company’s foam technologies can be used in clothing, sporting equipment, backpacks and furniture. OrthoLite is a global company with sales offices in the United States, Vietnam, Asia and Europe as well as manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Korea.
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About OrthoLite:
OrthoLite, headquartered in Amherst, Mass., is the world’s leading supplier of open cell foam insoles found in more than 200 million shoes each year, including ASICS, Clarks, New Balance, Merrell, Nike, Puma, Vans and Timberland. OrthoLite combines polyurethane and recycled rubber to provide superior cushioning, comfort and breathability. OrthoLite insoles can now be purchased through a partnership with Amazon. For every pair of insoles sold, OrthoLite will donate $1 to the Level Field Fund, a grant-giving program that strives to bridge gaps in funding to uniquely talented athletes to train and compete successfully. To purchase insoles or for more information, please visit www.OrthoLite.com.