The Lycra Company, a specialist in the production of high-tech fibers for apparel among other applications, has a new CEO—Hua Du. He will take over the position previously held by Dean Williams, who has served as interim CEO until now and will continue in his role as chief financial officer.

Du has held management positions for 30 years in the specialty chemicals and biotechnology sectors, leading several international companies through periods of growth and transformation.

Most recently, he served as CEO of Grobest Group, a private-equity-backed animal nutrition company, where he led a comprehensive operational transformation that culminated in the sale of the company.

Previously, he held executive roles at Rhodia, which was later acquired by Solvay, and managed Rohm and Haas’s electronic materials business in Asia, a company that was subsequently acquired by Dow Chemical.

“We are pleased to welcome Hua as the new CEO of The Lycra Company,” said Bruce Rubin, executive chairman of the company’s board of directors.

“With his proven technical expertise, operational management experience, and strong global customer focus, we are confident that Hua has the experience and vision necessary to help build a successful future for the company,” the executive added.

“I am honored to join this outstanding organization and to be able to help create new opportunities for innovation and growth,” Du said.