Milliken and Company Commends Lee Blair on 40-Year Career

Spartanburg, S.C. — Milliken & Company extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to industry veteran Lee Blair, who announced his planned retirement in March 2024. Currently serving as vice president and business manager for Milliken’s Floor Covering Business in the Americas, Blair has spent his entire career in flooring, working alongside the hospitality and commercial markets.

“Lee has had an esteemed career in our industry, and his dedication to Milliken has left an indelible mark on our team,” shares Patrick Keese, president of Milliken’s Floor Covering Business. “His leadership and passion over 24 years at Milliken has positioned us for a bright future, and his work with the flooring industry will continue to have an impact long after he retires.”

The 2023 NEWH ICON of industry award recipient, Blair’s journey began at Milliken back in 1983, marking the start of an extraordinary tenure spanning over four decades across leading hospitality flooring firms such as Milliken and Mohawk. In 1988, Blair played an instrumental role in introducing in-register carpet tile to a top-tier hospitality brand, demonstrating his innovative approach and commitment to enhancing the industry's product offering.

Blair is renowned not only for his transformative accomplishments but also for his unwavering commitment to community and industry development. His firm belief in the power of relationship building and mentoring has been a cornerstone of his success, influencing many within the industry. Furthermore, Blair has generously contributed his expertise and leadership skills to numerous professional organizations, most notably working with NEWH to fund and award over $8 million in scholarships to aspiring students in the hospitality industry. His astute focus on product development and successful product launches has propelled multiple success stories, cementing his legacy as a revered leader in the hospitality sector. Always one to challenge the status quo, Blair's novel approaches to processes and product development have significantly advanced industry standards. As he steps into retirement, his impact on the hospitality industry remains deeply ingrained, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders.

Milliken will identify new floor covering business leadership as part of this transition, with a formal announcement to follow.