MARK DENTITH
United Kingdom
Summary
Senior leader in fibre-based materials and engineered textiles with over 30 years’ experience across product development, manufacturing, and commercial integration. Extensive experience developing and scaling materials by linking fibre selection, structure design, and process capability to deliver performance, cost efficiency, and manufacturability at industrial scale. Strong track record working across R&D, operations, and commercial teams to translate material capability into viable products across industrial, technical, and performance-driven markets.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work history
Global Product Development & Innovation Leadership Role
Alkegen (formerly Unifrax / Lydall Industrial Filtration)
2024.01 - 2026.01
- Led global development of fibre-based materials across international manufacturing operations
- Developed fibre architectures linking fibre behaviour, structure and process capability
- Translated material innovation into industrial production across multiple sites
- Delivered improvements in product performance, cost efficiency and manufacturability
- Led cross-functional programmes across R&D, operations and supply chain
- Supported transition toward more sustainable and compliant material solutions
Textile Innovation and Sustainability
Independent Consultant
2023.01 - 2024.01
- Advised on fibre and material strategies to improve performance and sustainability
- Supported integration of new materials into existing manufacturing and product portfolios
Development Scientist – Strategic Innovation
Smith & Nephew plc
2022.01 - 2023.01
- Developed advanced textile materials linking fibre selection, structure and functional performance
- Translated application requirements into engineered material solutions within regulated environments
Senior Technical Manager – Innovation & Business Strategy
Allied Textile Group
2017.01 - 2022.01
- Led development of engineered textile materials across woven, nonwoven and coated applications
- Directed fibre selection, structure design and manufacturing integration
- Delivered scalable materials across industrial and technical markets
Technical Manager – Manufacturing & Innovation
Culimeta
2015.01 - 2017.01
- Led development of industrial textile materials linking fibre selection with manufacturing processes
Earlier Career – Textile Manufacturing & Processing
1993.01 - 2015.01
- Built expertise across fibre technology, textile processing, coated fabrics and engineered materials
- Developed strong understanding of large-scale textile manufacturing environments
Education
PhD - Textile Science and Technology
University of Manchester
BSc (Hons) - Textile Product Development (First Class Honours)
University of Bolton
Help to Grow Management Programme - undefined
University of Salford
Skills
- Fibre and material selection across synthetic and high-performance fibres
- Nonwoven, woven and engineered textile structures
- Product development from concept through to industrialisation
- Manufacturing integration and process capability alignment
- Cost and performance optimisation
- Scale-up across multi-site manufacturing environments
- Cross-functional leadership across R&D, operations and commercial
- Customer-facing technical engagement and solution development
- Sustainability, fibre substitution and circular material strategies
Websites
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Over 30 years’ experience across fibre, textile and material manufacturing environments
- Experience working across UK, Europe and US manufacturing operations
- Combines deep technical expertise with strong commercial awareness
- Available for permanent, interim or advisory roles
POSITIONING
Focused on helping organisations maximise the value of their materials and manufacturing capability by aligning fibre selection, product design and process performance to deliver scalable, commercially viable solutions.
Timeline
Global Product Development & Innovation Leadership Role
Alkegen (formerly Unifrax / Lydall Industrial Filtration)
2024.01 - 2026.01
Textile Innovation and Sustainability
Independent Consultant
2023.01 - 2024.01
Development Scientist – Strategic Innovation
Smith & Nephew plc
2022.01 - 2023.01
Senior Technical Manager – Innovation & Business Strategy
Allied Textile Group
2017.01 - 2022.01
Technical Manager – Manufacturing & Innovation
Culimeta
2015.01 - 2017.01
Earlier Career – Textile Manufacturing & Processing
1993.01 - 2015.01
BSc (Hons) - Textile Product Development (First Class Honours)
University of Bolton
Help to Grow Management Programme - undefined
University of Salford
PhD - Textile Science and Technology
University of Manchester