Megan Johnston
Technical Design & Product Development Director, Women's Knitwear & Men's Knits and Wovens
Professional Overview
Megan Johnston is a seasoned Technical Design & Product Development Director with a proven track record of success in the women's knitwear and men's knits and wovens industries. Leveraging her extensive expertise, she has driven innovative product development and optimization initiatives that have significantly contributed to her employers' growth and profitability.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Technical Design & Product Development Director for Women's Knitwear & Men's Knits and Wovens at Jonathan Simkhai, Megan is responsible for leading a team of designers and developers to create cutting-edge, high-quality products that resonate with the brand's target audience. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the product development process, from ideation and design to technical execution and production, ensuring seamless collaboration across cross-functional teams.
Career Progression
Prior to her current position, Megan held senior-level roles at Lunya & Lahgo as the Senior Technical Designer & Product Developer, and at Jonathan Simkhai as the Senior Product Developer & Technical Designer, Knitwear. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong ability to drive innovation, optimize production processes, and deliver exceptional results that have enhanced brand reputation and profitability.
Academic Background
Megan holds an MFA in Design with a focus on Wearable Technology from UC Davis, where she also served as a Teaching Assistant and Graduate Researcher. Her academic achievements and specialized knowledge in wearable technology have been instrumental in shaping her industry expertise and approach to product development.
Areas of Expertise
- Technical design and product development for women's knitwear and men's knits and wovens
- Knitwear design, pattern making, and production optimization
- Collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and operational efficiency
- Utilizing emerging technologies and materials to enhance product performance and user experience
- Mentoring and leading high-performing teams to achieve strategic business objectives
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Megan has made significant contributions to the brands she has worked with. At Jonathan Simkhai, she spearheaded the development of a new knitwear line that became a best-selling product category, resulting in a 20% increase in revenue. At Lunya & Lahgo, she implemented a comprehensive quality control program that reduced product defects by 35%, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Conclusion
Megan Johnston's extensive experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated leadership in the women's knitwear and men's knits and wovens industries make her a valuable asset to any organization. With a keen eye for detail, a passion for innovation, and a track record of driving measurable business impact, she is poised to continue making significant contributions to the fashion and textile industries.