Lion Brand Yarn Company, a fifth-generation family-owned and operated business and one of the nation’s leading suppliers of premium knitting and craft yarn, announced today that its Board of Directors has selected former BIC senior executive Chris Mills as the company’s next President & Chief Executive Officer. Mills succeeds David Blumenthal, President and CEO of Lion Brand, who will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Mills brings more than 30 years of experience as a global CPG executive, most recently serving as President of BIC’s North American Consumer Products Division. In his new role, Mills will oversee all Lion Brand day-to-day operations and will report directly to the Board of Directors. Mills will be working closely with the fifth generation of Blumenthal family members, who currently hold key positions at Lion Brand.
“Chris Mills is the perfect leader to bring a fresh perspective to Lion Brand while preserving our historic legacy,” said Blumenthal. “With Chris, we welcome a proven senior executive with a wealth of retail, marketing, and operational experience. He is charged with ensuring that we continue to deliver best-in-class products while expanding our business in the U.S. and abroad.”
Blumenthal will leave behind an indelible 50-plus-year tenure, most recently piloting Lion Brand during this current unique point in time where consumer engagement is on the rise. “Our trusted brand, quality product, and ease of accessibility—supported by our retail partners and engaging social media initiatives—reaffirms the company’s integral role in the growing and thriving crafting community,” Blumenthal noted.
“It’s an honor to succeed David Blumenthal, a respected, 50-plus-year industry veteran, and build upon Lion Brand’s incredible success connecting with crafters around the world, especially at this time,” Mills said. “As a formidable industry leader with a rich, enduring history and strong consumer and customer relationships, Lion Brand is well positioned for continued growth. I’m excited to work closely with David, the Board of Directors, the entire Lion Brand family, and our valued retail partners.”
With a strong reputation across a number of industries and retailers, Mills comes to Lion Brand following a respected career at BIC Corporation—a leading, global, family-managed business—where he achieved exceptional domestic and international business results, particularly as President of BIC’s North American Consumer Products Division.
