Lakeland Industries, a global manufacturer of protective clothing for industry, healthcare and first responders, has announced the retirement of Allen Dillard as Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately, however Dillard will serve as a consultant to Lakeland under a Transitional Services Agreement until completion of the company's 10-K filing.
Dillard has been an integral part of Lakeland's executive leadership team and has contributed significantly to the company's growth and success. The company thanks Dillard for his service and wishes him well in his retirement.
Lakeland also announced the appointment of Hui (Helena) An as the company's new Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. An, previously served as the company's VP of Procurement and Asia Manufacturing from 2018 to April 2023. She has been with Lakeland for 25 years in various procurement and manufacturing leadership positions and was integral in opening Lakeland's first manufacturing facility in China and led the team that started our Vietnam plant. In her new role, An will report directly to President and CEO, Charles Roberson.
"We are excited to have Helena take on this critical role at Lakeland," said Roberson. "Her extensive experience in procurement and manufacturing, combined with her deep understanding of our operations and strategic vision, make her the ideal candidate to lead our company's operations. We thank Allen for his contributions to Lakeland and wish him all the best in his retirement."
An earned her Bachelor of Economics degree from Qingdao University of Science & Technology and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Otago in New Zealand. She resides in Madison, AL, and works out of Lakeland's Corporate Headquarters in Huntsville.