Allison Cowee

Senior Director Global Materials, Ariat International

Professional Overview
Allison Cowee is a seasoned materials and product development executive with over 15 years of experience in the apparel and footwear industries. As the Senior Director of Global Materials at Ariat International, she oversees the strategic sourcing, research, and development of innovative materials to support the company's product portfolio.

Experience Summary

Current Role
Allison has served as the Senior Director of Global Materials at Ariat International since June 2019. In this role, she is responsible for leading a team of material specialists to identify, evaluate, and procure high-performance fabrics, leathers, and other components that meet Ariat's stringent quality and sustainability standards. She collaborates closely with cross-functional partners to ensure the seamless integration of new materials into the product design and development process.

Under Allison's leadership, Ariat has introduced several industry-leading materials that have enhanced the performance, comfort, and durability of the brand's footwear and apparel offerings. Her efforts have contributed to the company's continued growth and strengthened its reputation as an innovator in the outdoor and lifestyle markets.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Ariat, Allison held various materials and product development roles at ECCO Leather B.V. and Ralph Lauren. As the Head of Merchandising at ECCO, she was instrumental in shaping the company's material strategy and driving the development of sustainable leather solutions. Earlier in her career, she served as a Fabric Manager and Director of Fabric Research & Development for Ralph Lauren's Black Label Sportswear and RLX lines, where she played a pivotal role in sourcing and introducing high-performance textiles that enhanced the brand's technical offerings.

Academic Background
Allison holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles and Apparel from the University of California, Davis, where she graduated with honors.

Areas of Expertise

• Material innovation and sustainable sourcing

• Product development and technical design

• Cross-functional collaboration and project management

• Strategic planning and business development

• Team leadership and talent cultivation

Professional Impact
Allison's expertise and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving Ariat's material innovation efforts and strengthening the company's competitive position. She has spearheaded the development of several proprietary material technologies that have enhanced the performance, comfort, and sustainability of Ariat's products, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion
With her extensive experience, deep industry knowledge, and proven track record of success, Allison Cowee is a respected leader in the materials and product development space. She continues to push the boundaries of innovation at Ariat, positioning the brand as a trailblazer in the outdoor and lifestyle markets.