Ramesh Kesh, PhD
About Ramesh Kesh, PhD
Ramesh Kesh, PhD, serves as the Global Vice President of Research, Development, and Technology at Milliken & Company and Polartec, bringing over 25 years of experience in automotive safety restraints, material science, and polymer chemistry. He holds a PhD and has contributed significantly to product innovation and development, holding over 100 patents globally.
Current Role at Milliken & Company
Ramesh Kesh serves as the Global Vice President of Research, Development & Technology at Milliken & Company, focusing on the Airbag Business. He has held this position since 2011, contributing to the company's innovation and technology strategies. In addition to his role in LaGrange, Georgia, he has also been the Global Vice President of Research, Development & Technology; CoE; Compliance; and Sustainability since 2017 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. His leadership in these roles emphasizes the importance of research and development in advancing Milliken's product offerings.
Professional Experience
Ramesh Kesh has over 25 years of experience in various roles within Milliken & Company. He began as a Senior Development Engineer from 1996 to 1998, later advancing to Business Development Manager for Advanced Concepts from 1998 to 2002. He then served as Director of Advanced Concepts & Market Development Manager from 2002 to 2004, followed by Director of Research, Development & Technology for the North American Airbag Business from 2004 to 2011. His extensive career at Milliken has involved managing complex global projects and fostering cross-functional collaboration.
Educational Background
Ramesh Kesh holds a Bachelor's degree from Coimbatore Institute of Technology, obtained between 1986 and 1990. He furthered his education at Texas Tech University, where he earned a Master's degree from 1990 to 1992 and a Ph.D. from 1992 to 1995. Additionally, he studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Sloan School of Management from 2004 to 2005 and completed Executive Education at The Wharton School in 2021. He also attended AMA for professional development in 2002 and 2003.
Patents and Innovations
Ramesh Kesh holds over 100 issued patents globally, demonstrating his significant contributions to innovation in various industries. His work has led to the development of commercially successful products and technologies, particularly in automotive safety restraints and material science. He has played a key role in building research and development teams that facilitate rapid execution of ideas through open innovation, which has resulted in swift commercialization of new technologies.
Research and Development Contributions
Ramesh Kesh has been instrumental in the development of flame-resistant fabrics for NASA's Artemis missions. His expertise extends to chemical analysis and material testing, which are critical in ensuring the safety and performance of advanced materials. He also participates in the Rapid Prototype Center capabilities, further enhancing his contributions to research and development initiatives within the industry.