Executive-In-Residence Program Fall 2006

Brittany Blair, Lindsay Parina and Laura Sampson
Textile Brand Management and Marketing Students

During the Fall of 2006, the College of Textiles has had the privilege of hosting four industry executives for its Executive-In-Residence program. Students in the College have had the unique opportunity to attend lectures given by Marshal Cohen and Sally Kay, Robyn Waters, and Sid Smith. The seminars provided students with invaluable insight into the global textile and apparel industry. Students have been able to use what they have learned in order to develop course projects, gain an overall understanding of the current market, as well as prepare for careers in the industry.

Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst of the NPD Group, is known worldwide for his industry market knowledge and consumer market insights. Mr. Cohen has visited the College of Textiles on three occasions this fall, and will return for three visits spring 2007, as part of the College’s Guest Lecturer Series. His lectures have focused on “Understanding Today’s Consumer,” “Today’s Luxury Market” and “Power Branding.” Cohen’s book, Why Consumers Do What They Do, serves as a great resource for students with an interest in consumer behavior, and Mr. Cohen was generous in sharing copies of his recent book with faculty and students! Cohen was accompanied by Sally Kay, President of the Hosiery Association. Both Cohen and Kay allowed time for meeting with students to conduct personal interviews while providing insight into students’ course projects.

Robyn Waters, President of RW Trend, is an international known industry speaker. Waters’ lecture, “The Power of Paradox” provided students with information about the emerging trends in the global marketplace. Her previous responsibility of Vice President of Trend, Design, and Product Development at Target Stores, has provided her with the tools to forecast trends and buying behaviors in the marketplace. Author of The Trendmaster’s Guide: Get a Jump on What Your Customer Wants Next and The Hummer and the Mini: Navigating the Contradictions of the New Trend Landscape, Waters provides a wealth of knowledge, which students found most useful in their coursework. Her Executive-in-Residence visit at the NC State College of Textiles launched her global book tour for her latest book, and she provided a book signing opportunity for students and faculty.

As the former President and CEO of The Hosiery Association, Sid Smith lectured on “The Shifting Balance of Economic Power & Influence: China, India, & the Rest of the World.” The core of Smith’s lecture focused on the short-term and long-term implications of China’s and India’s futures as global manufacturing and marketing leaders. In his current role as Principal of SALCO Consulting, Smith was able to provide students with an expert opinion on the future of the global textile industry, with keen insights into the positioning of the global industry with the growth of both China and India.

Through the Executive-In-Residence program, Textile and Apparel Management students are afforded the opportunity to expand their fashion and textile management knowledge outside of the classroom. Cohen, Kay, Waters, and Smith each provided students with an insider’s perspective in relation to the textile and apparel industry. The program serves as a connector between the classroom and the industry.

College of Textiles
P.O. Box 8301
Raleigh, NC 27695-8301
Telephone: (919) 515-6646
FAX: (919) 515-3733
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Last Site Revision:
February 2, 2006