Milliken Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Milliken has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, human resources, and operational management.

Focused on industrial innovation, Milliken delivers advanced floor coverings, performance textiles, and specialty chemicals to global markets while maintaining a commitment to sustainable manufacturing excellence.

Leadership Roles at Milliken

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Halsey Cook
  • Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering - Melissa Andrews
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - David Smart
  • President - John Rekers
  • President, Automotive - Marshall Washburn
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer - Danna Vetter
  • Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President of Operations - Alice McCall
  • Senior Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President - Bethany Smith
  • Executive Vice President & Managing Director (Asia) & Acting Chief Technology Officer - Ed Zhao
  • Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer - Sandrine Schmitt
  • Halsey Cook - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Halsey Cook, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Milliken, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global manufacturing enterprise. Overseeing the integration of floor coverings, performance textiles, and specialty chemicals, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all business units. This leadership role involves driving long-term growth through sustainable innovation and operational efficiency. By managing the executive team, Halsey Cook fosters a culture of excellence that supports the company's 1865 legacy. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains focus on market expansion and technological advancement, ensuring the organization remains a leader in industrial manufacturing. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and competitive positioning of the firm. Ultimately, Cook guides the company toward achieving ambitious performance targets while upholding the core values of the organization.
    Halsey Cook

    Melissa Andrews - Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering

    Melissa Andrews, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering at Milliken, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the floor covering business unit. Overseeing financial reporting and cost analysis, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering ensures that manufacturing processes remain profitable and efficient. This leadership role involves collaborating with operational heads to optimize supply chain expenditures and resource allocation. By implementing robust financial controls, Melissa Andrews supports the strategic goals of the division. The Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering monitors market trends to adjust pricing strategies and investment priorities accordingly. Through precise data analysis, the Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering provides actionable insights that drive revenue growth. Ultimately, Andrews strengthens the financial foundation of the floor covering segment, ensuring consistent performance and long-term viability within the competitive industrial landscape.

    David Smart - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    David Smart, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Milliken, manages the global financial strategy, capital structure, and fiscal reporting for the entire organization. Overseeing treasury operations, tax planning, and investor relations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains a strong balance sheet to support ongoing R&D in performance textiles and specialty chemicals. This leadership role involves providing financial guidance to the Board and executive leadership to facilitate informed decision-making. By optimizing capital allocation, David Smart drives investment in high-growth manufacturing sectors. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer monitors global economic conditions to mitigate financial risks and ensure long-term stability. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the company's commitment to sustainable growth. Ultimately, Smart secures the financial resources necessary to maintain the company's position as an industrial leader.
    David Smart

    John Rekers - President

    John Rekers, the President at Milliken, directs the operational execution and business performance of key manufacturing divisions. Overseeing the production of high-performance textiles and protective materials, the President ensures that quality standards and safety protocols remain at the highest level. This leadership role involves driving operational excellence through continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies. By managing cross-functional teams, John Rekers optimizes the supply chain to meet the needs of global customers. The President collaborates with the executive leadership to align divisional goals with the broader corporate strategy. Through rigorous oversight of manufacturing output, the President maintains the company's reputation for reliability and innovation. By focusing on efficiency and cost management, the President supports the overall profitability of the organization. Ultimately, Rekers drives the operational success of the business, ensuring that manufacturing capabilities meet the evolving demands of the industrial sector.

    Marshall Washburn - President, Automotive

    Marshall Washburn, the President, Automotive at Milliken, directs the strategic growth and product development for the automotive division. Overseeing the design and manufacturing of performance textiles and specialty materials for vehicle interiors, the President, Automotive ensures that the company remains a preferred partner for global automotive manufacturers. This leadership role involves aligning product innovation with the industry's shift toward lightweight and sustainable materials. By managing key client relationships, Marshall Washburn expands the division's market share in the automotive sector. The President, Automotive collaborates with engineering teams to develop solutions that enhance vehicle comfort and durability. Through strategic market analysis, the President, Automotive identifies emerging trends and adjusts production strategies to maintain a competitive advantage. By focusing on quality and performance, the President, Automotive supports the company's commitment to industrial excellence. Ultimately, Washburn drives the success of the automotive business unit through targeted innovation and operational focus.

    Danna Vetter - Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer

    Danna Vetter, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Milliken, architects the global brand strategy and market positioning for the company's diverse product portfolio. Overseeing digital transformation and customer engagement initiatives, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the brand resonates across the floor covering, textile, and chemical sectors. This leadership role involves aligning marketing campaigns with the specific needs of industrial and healthcare clients. By leveraging data-driven insights, Danna Vetter expands the reach of the organization into new geographic territories. The Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with product development teams to communicate the value of sustainable manufacturing solutions. Through strategic storytelling and market analysis, the Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer drives demand and enhances brand equity. Ultimately, Vetter secures a dominant market presence by connecting innovative products with evolving customer requirements.

    Alice McCall - Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President of Operations

    Alice McCall, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President of Operations at Milliken, coordinates complex administrative workflows between the human resources and operational divisions. Overseeing scheduling, communication, and project tracking, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President of Operations ensures that leadership teams remain focused on high-priority strategic initiatives. This leadership role involves facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to streamline manufacturing processes and talent management. By managing critical documentation and executive correspondence, Alice McCall supports the efficient execution of corporate policies. The Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President of Operations maintains the integrity of internal communications, ensuring that organizational goals are clearly understood. Through meticulous organization, the Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer and the Executive Vice President of Operations enables seamless operations. Ultimately, McCall optimizes the daily productivity of the executive office.

    Bethany Smith - Senior Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President

    Bethany Smith, the Senior Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President at Milliken, directs the global talent strategy and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing recruitment, employee engagement, and leadership training, the Senior Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the company's manufacturing mission. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive culture that supports innovation in textiles and chemicals. By implementing performance management systems, Bethany Smith drives professional growth and operational excellence across all departments. The Senior Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President collaborates with the executive team to address workforce planning and succession strategies. Through strategic human capital management, the Senior Chief Human Resources Officer & Executive Vice President enhances organizational agility and employee retention. Ultimately, Smith builds a high-performing team capable of sustaining the company's long-term growth and competitive advantage in the global market.

    Ed Zhao - Executive Vice President & Managing Director (Asia) & Acting Chief Technology Officer

    Ed Zhao, the Executive Vice President & Managing Director (Asia) & Acting Chief Technology Officer at Milliken, directs regional operations across Asia while overseeing the company's technological roadmap. Overseeing the development of advanced materials and chemical processes, the Executive Vice President & Managing Director (Asia) & Acting Chief Technology Officer ensures that innovation remains at the core of the manufacturing strategy. This leadership role involves scaling production capabilities to meet the demands of the Asian market. By integrating new technologies into existing product lines, Ed Zhao drives efficiency and product performance. The Executive Vice President & Managing Director (Asia) & Acting Chief Technology Officer collaborates with global R&D teams to accelerate the commercialization of new solutions. Through strategic regional leadership, the Executive Vice President & Managing Director (Asia) & Acting Chief Technology Officer expands the company's footprint. Ultimately, Zhao advances the technological capabilities of the firm to maintain a competitive edge.

    Sandrine Schmitt - Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sandrine Schmitt, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer at Milliken, manages the administrative operations and strategic scheduling for the human resources department. Overseeing the coordination of executive meetings and internal communications, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the HR leadership team remains focused on talent development and organizational culture. This leadership role involves facilitating the flow of information between HR and other corporate functions to support seamless operations. By maintaining accurate records and managing sensitive personnel data, Sandrine Schmitt upholds the standards of the human resources office. The Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer assists in the preparation of reports and presentations that guide workforce strategy. Through efficient administrative support, the Senior Executive Assistant To the Chief Human Resources Officer enables the HR team to execute key initiatives. Ultimately, Schmitt optimizes the operational effectiveness of the human resources function.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Milliken Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Milliken?
    Milliken is led by Halsey Cook (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Melissa Andrews (Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering) and David Smart (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Milliken’s executive team?
    The executive team of Milliken includes leaders such as Halsey Cook (President & Chief Executive Officer), Melissa Andrews (Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering), David Smart (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Milliken have?
    Milliken has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Milliken’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Milliken includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Division Chief Financial Officer, Floor Covering, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President, Automotive.