Ex-Nike R&D Leader Joins Magnus Textile

Rupesh Nawalakhe, Ph.D., previously of Nike, recently joined Magnus Textile, Chelmsford, MA, as director of product innovation, according to a news release.

Rupesh Nawalakhe

Nawalakhe brings a decade of experience in research and development (R&D) and technical leadership to the company, as well as deep expertise in the development of cutting-edge textile and polymer products.

“I am excited to bring the insights and innovation I have encountered across the apparel and industrial sectors to the healthcare, hospitality, and food-and-beverage industries,” said Nawalakhe. “There is an incredible opportunity to revolutionize the performance and sustainability of the products in these three industries.”

While at Nike, Nawalakhe worked on the development of numerous products across the basketball and running shoe lines – including leading the development of a high-performance material in Flyknit footwear. Before that, he worked as an R&D scientist at Coats North America, the world’s leading manufacturer of industrial thread. In addition to his background in product development, Nawalakhe received his doctorate in fiber and polymer science from North Carolina State University, an international leader in textile education and research.

“We are thrilled to have Rupesh join the Magnus team,” said Chief Marketing Officer Edward Coady. “As suppliers, our job is to bring our customers the forefront of innovation in textiles. We believe in customer-led innovation, and Rupesh – with his cross-industry textile experience – will further enable our goal of innovating in the commercial textile industry.”