Katy Kirby

Director of Product Development

Professional Overview
Katy Kirby is an experienced design and product development professional with over 15 years of expertise in the retail and apparel industries. As the Director of Product Development at Smith & Quinn, she oversees the end-to-end product lifecycle, driving innovation and delivering high-quality, customer-centric solutions.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Director of Product Development at Smith & Quinn, Katy is responsible for leading a team of designers, engineers, and product managers in the development of innovative product lines. She collaborates closely with cross-functional stakeholders to define product strategies, manage budgets, and ensure alignment with the company's overall business objectives. Under her leadership, the product development team has consistently delivered successful product launches that have contributed to the company's growth and market share.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Katy held various design and management positions at leading retail and apparel brands, including Fabletics, LUNYA, E-Gen, and Under Armour. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong track record of driving design excellence, optimizing production processes, and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams. Katy's diverse experience and deep understanding of the industry have enabled her to drive meaningful impact in each of her roles.

Academic Background
Katy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she graduated with honors. She has also completed several executive education programs in product development and supply chain management, further enhancing her strategic and operational capabilities.

Areas of Expertise

• Product design and development

• Innovation and trend forecasting

• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management

• Project management and process optimization

• Budgeting and financial management

• Team leadership and talent development

Professional Impact
At Fabletics, Katy led the development of a new line of sustainable activewear that generated over $20 million in revenue in its first year. During her tenure at LUNYA, she spearheaded the brand's successful expansion into the sleepwear and loungewear categories, contributing to a 35% increase in overall sales.

Conclusion
Katy Kirby is a versatile and accomplished product development professional with a proven track record of driving innovation, optimizing processes, and delivering exceptional results. In her current role at Smith & Quinn, she continues to leverage her deep industry expertise and collaborative leadership style to position the company at the forefront of the rapidly evolving retail and apparel landscape.