Explore, Innovate, Create

Kontoor Brands

Lead Scientist, Transformational Innovation

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Irvine, CA. 2019 - 2020

Continuation of work with VF Corporation

Performed research and development (R&D) for a variety of functions within the company. Created innovative new products and tested consumer reactions. Collaborated with design teams for Lee & Wrangler Jeans on using rules of vision science and evolutionary psychology to help consumers look their best in variety of garments. Developed new techniques, as needed, for making such garments. Provided insight to GTM teams to help devise and analyze consumer insights and marketing materials.

• Conducted experiments testing consumer perception and behavior in controlled lab settings, online or at retail locations while leveraging eye-tracking, virtual reality, psychophysics and other research methodologies. Results led to product changes that generated increased revenue and process changes that delivered company cost savings.

• Applied new body-shaping innovations for worldwide Lee Body Optix line, generating hundreds of millions in revenue.

• Launched Lee Shape Illusions line with body-shaping technology for US mass-market consumer, satisfying demand for innovation from mass-channel accounts, and leading to increased sales for Lee.

• Utilized new body-shaping innovations for several Wrangler product lines with future potential sales surpassing Lee Body Optix
  
  • Designed virtual reality research study to identify product improvements.
  • Guided improved manufacturing processes at maker factory in China.
  • Guided improved manufacturing processes at maker factory in China.

• Managed proprietary and confidential information while collaborating with Lee & Wrangler brand teams to plan 3-year and 5-year innovation roadmaps.

• Developed new Stage Gates process for project management of innovation initiatives , promoting and improving collaboration, while enabling effective prioritization of innovation projects in Lee & Wrangler innovation roadmaps.

• Hosted investor meeting to showcase innovation projects, leading to increased stock investment.

• Provided new software using artificial intelligence to automate and save time in development of denim finishing laser files.

VF Corporation

Lead Scientist, Transformational Innovation

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Irvine, CA. 2016 - 2019

Performed multiple research and development (R&D) functions related to innovative products and consumer experiences. Worked in dynamic environment with variety of internal and external teams. Launched new products and identified new opportunities for improving existing projects to grow the company.

• Designed and analyzed experiments to test new worldwide products, marketing campaigns, and retail and digital (e-commerce) consumer experience.
  • Increased revenue and reduced expenses for Lee, Wrangler, The North Face, Vans, Lucy, Smartwool and Napapijri brands. Projects included product design and retail optimization.
  • Invented new methods for body-shaping garments, resulting in leading to over 100 patents
  
  
• Traveled to factory partners in U.S., Vietnam, China, Italy, Spain, and Turkey to implement and train new manufacturing and quality assurance (QA) processes, leading to cost savings from fewer rejected samples.
  

• Developed new innovations for Body Optix with international brand teams, and presented them at sales meetings in Hong Kong, UK, Netherlands, and Belgium, making Body Optix Lee’s first worldwide campaign in history.

Odyssey Network

Research Director

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Irvine, CA. 2014 - 2015

Conducted new cognitive / behavioral science research studies breaking new ground in the apparel industry. Provided marketable advantage by leveraging expertise in vision science, evolutionary psychology and science of attraction to help consumers look their best in a variety of garments. Leveraged knowledge about attention and decision making to improve path-to-purchase consumer experience for physical and digital retail.

• Built and launched new worldwide line, Lee Body Optix, one of Lee’s most successful female campaigns to propel Lee as leading denim business in Asia-Pacific.
  
  • Designed and analyzed experiments to test new body-shaping techniques without sacrificing fit or comfort.
  • Developed new laser finish and construction techniques to implement body-shaping techniques.
  • Assisted marketing and merchandising teams to drive sell-in and sell-through, making Body Optix one of Lee’s most successful new products.

• Delivered guidance on optimizing retail environments and ad campaigns, leading to improved traffic and ad campaign ROI measures. Supported guidance with eye-tracking data when relevant.