Kennesaw, Ga. – Invista Surfaces, a division of Invista Performance Surfaces & Materials (PS&M) and maker of Stainmaster carpet fibers, is pleased to welcome Michelle Rice, an Invista leader, back to its Surfaces business team as vice president of the retail channel.
In her previous role within Surfaces, Rice was the western region marketing director for the company’s residential flooring business. Following that role, Rice was the marketing director for Invista intimate apparel and swimwear in Hong Kong—and then pursued an opportunity in Invista commercial development before she transferred to Shanghai, China, where she was the North Asia commercial director for Invista’s Lycra fiber.
In Rice’s new role, she will lead Invista’s retail channel team, building momentum on an increased strategic account capability and support of aligned distribution accounts, which include the Stainmaster Flooring Center network, Stainmaster Showcaseretailers, and other aligned channels. Invista regional managers, Dan Tharan, Roz White, Vivien Meleen, and Bibi Lovell will report to Rice, along with Pami Bhullar, director, aligned retail development, and Paul Adamske, national service manager.
A long-time retailer reacted to the news of Rice’s return with great enthusiasm. Phil Koufidakis, president of Baker Bros. and newly appointed president of the NFA said, “[Rice] will be an awesome ‘re-addition’ to the team. She understands both the high level opportunities, as well as the grass root challenges of the business. She has built many lasting relationships with customers based on her ability and willingness to make things happen.
Dan Haycook, executive vice president, Invista Surfaces, to whom Rice will report, echoed the sentiments of the retail community. “[Rice] brings a unique set of capabilities to Invista and to the industry. In addition to her background in the retail carpet market, she has strong and extensive experience in the textile fibers arena, having had roles in marketing, sales and international management. This combination will help us to more rapidly develop even more effective, exciting programs that help improve our retailers’ profitability and growth. I’m thrilled that she’ll be working with all of us again, as I’m sure our customers will be, too.”
Rice has over 20 years of experience in the textile fibers business, including positions in research and development, sales, marketing and management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Queen’s University of Belfast in the United Kingdom and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Ulster, U.K.