PrimaLoft, Inc. hired 30-year textile and apparel industry veteran Chris Sentementes to lead its Performance Fabric and Fleece unit as business development manager, effective immediately. The appointment comes just months after PrimaLoft announced its entry into the fabric and fleece category.

 


Sentementes is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business, including research, development and logistics and sustaining growth in the outdoor and fashion industries worldwide.



Sentementes brings solid experience and leadership from a variety of influential organizations in the industry, including his own CS Global Consulting, where he provided counsel on international trade and customs issues. Prior to PrimaLoft, Sentementes served as the vice president of global sourcing and new business development for One Source Apparel, handling product development and quality assurance programs. He worked for 13 years at Polartec, as vice president and director of global sourcing and trade, director of apparel fabric development and design, and general manager of the European office.

 

 

Sentementes began his career at L.L.Bean in the men’s apparel and home furnishings product categories. He is an active member of the Outdoor Industry Association Trade Advisory Council (OIATAC) and is part of the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT).


“To expand our PrimaLoft Performance Fabric and Fleece business unit, we must establish a solid foundation not only through investment in product development, but also, in expertise,” said Mike Joyce, CEO, PrimaLoft. “With Chris on board, we’re ready to take this category to the next level on a global scale.”


PrimaLoft claims its PrimaLoft Performance Fabrics deliver a 20 percent faster dry time and a lower water absorption rate than 100 percent Merino fabrics. PrimaLoft Performance Fleece holds 98 percent of its thermal value when wet, dries 44 percent faster and packs 16 percent smaller than the competition all with the softness many have come to associate with PrimaLoft.

Based in Latham, NY, with offices in Germany and Italy, Primaloft is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It's products are  are used widely by top global outdoor and fashion brands and in home furnishings, work wear, hunting and military applications. PrimaLoft insulation was originally developed for the U.S. army as a water-resistant, synthetic alternative to down.