Wilmington-based Optimer Performance Fibers has promoted Karen Deniz to president of their European division from vice president of marketing. Deniz will also continue to oversee marketing for Optimer.
“Karen has played such a key role in establishing Dri-release in the European market”, says Optimer CEO, Beth Moore, “it was obvious that she should be in charge of the whole division. She has basically put us on the map there.”
In just the last four months Deniz has negotiated licensing agreements with two prominent European yarn spinners and begun building a sales force to provide that market with Dri-release fabrics.
Topkapi Iplik, A.S. in Turkey, well known for its high quality ring and Vortex spun cotton and organic cotton yarns, will service the rapidly growing Turkish market in addition to Europe.
Tearfil, S.A., located in Portugal, and noted for its Siro high-twist quality spinning, has already been working closely with its innovative partner mills to develop new Dri-release fiber blends and fabric constructions targeting European tastes.
“Licensed Dri-release spinners in Europe allow us to better service the EU with appropriate products for their markets and at the same time eliminate duty and quota constraints,” explains Deniz.
A patented, intimate blend of synthetic and natural fibers, Dri-release accelerates the evaporation rate of wet fabric. Most Dri-release products are made of co-polymer polyesters as the synthetic and cotton as the natural fiber, however, Dri-release wool knits and Dri-release wool stretch fleece were introduced in the U.S. market this last year.
Tearfil has already developed several new Dri-release blends with Lyocell, Modal, Supima® cotton and linen. Their unique offerings attracted the attention of some of Europe's most prestigious performance apparel and home product brands at the 2004 Expofil Yarn Show in Paris this past February.
Deniz is based in New Jersey and will retain responsibility for East Coast, U.S. Dri-release customers and continue to head Optimer's marketing efforts, in addition to her new position as president of Optimer's European division.
Barry Garlick, based in Salt Lake City, UT, remains president of Optimer's Asian division and also oversees Optimer's Midwest and Western U.S. customers.
