HeiQ Materials, a leader in textile innovation, has announced two key new hires to strengthen the sales, marketing and technical support to its brand partners. In these two newly created leadership roles, Colleen Nipkow has been named Marketing Director North America, and Paul Middleton has been named Brandforce Europe and Technical Director Brandforce.

Nipkow will oversee HeiQ’s North American marketing, leading strategic planning, budget, and all aspects of marketing communication for the region. Middleton will manage brand relations with the company’s European partners, as well as support the Global Brandforce Team on all technical aspects.

“At HeiQ, we believe in our people, their skills and their passion for success. With the hiring of Colleen and Paul, we add two more experienced professionals to our team. We are very proud that they decided to join HeiQ and our ambitious plan to be the technology innovator and marketeer for our brand partners,” commented Carlo Centonze, HeiQ’s CEO.

Nipkow’s experience includes over 25 years of marketing roles in the outdoor industry. She has worked with brands including Polygiene, Gregory Mountain Products, SCARPA North America and Black Diamond Equipment.

Middleton comes to HeiQ with 30 years of experience developing new finishes while ensuring all yarns, constructions, chemical effect finishes and process routings comply with the customer’s expectations. His previous experience includes technical director for both Polygiene and Courtaulds.

“I joined HeiQ because I feel aligned with their core value – Differentiate. Innovate,” said Nipkow. “The strategy of R-D-M (research, develop, market) sets HeiQ apart as an innovation partner to the brands. I am excited to be working with the teams in both North America and Switzerland to support these HeiQ values and strategy.”

“I am very happy to be joining the team at HeiQ,” said Middleton. “HeiQ’s mission to be the leader in textile innovation will allow me to help our brand partners incorporate innovative finishes and effects into their products.”

www.heiq.com