OrthoLite®, a global leader in comfort-focused, high-performance footwear solutions, announced the strategic hiring of Raj Santhana as Vice President of Operational Excellence. This pivotal appointment underscores OrthoLite’s dedication to advancing manufacturing standards and driving innovation within the footwear industry.
Raj Santhana’s extensive background of over 20 years in footwear and manufacturing aligns seamlessly with OrthoLite’s vision. In his role, Santhana will lead manufacturing excellence, automation, and digital transformation as he collaborates closely with OrthoLite’s Global Foam Innovation Team.
His leadership will enhance efficiency and quality across OrthoLite’s production network, which now includes a newly established office in Singapore.
“Raj’s extensive experience in the footwear sector, coupled with his engineering background, is invaluable to our global operations. His role is central to our operational excellence initiatives, directly benefiting our team of over 3,200 employees worldwide.”
Richard Bevan, OrthoLite COO
Raj Santhana joins OrthoLite following an impactful tenure as Global Head of Quality at Bata in Singapore. Prior to his time at Bata, Santhana held critical roles at Adidas, where he led efforts in quality assurance and manufacturing excellence.
These roles have equipped him with a wealth of industry knowledge and technical insights that he will leverage to streamline processes and support OrthoLite’s innovative vision.
Alongside Santhana’s appointment, OrthoLite announced the promotion of Shaw Kiat Phua to Vice President of Global Foaming. Phua, a longstanding figure within OrthoLite, will lead the Global Foam Innovation Team, focusing on sustainable advancements in polyurethane (PU) material development.
His role reflects OrthoLite’s commitment to environmentally-conscious innovation and strategic leadership in the comfort and performance footwear industry.
Reporting directly to COO Bevan, Phua will maintain his active engagement with OrthoLite’s extensive network, traveling to manufacturing sites in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Europe, India, and Brazil to ensure alignment with the company’s high standards.
Since its inception in 1997, OrthoLite has cemented its place as a trusted partner in the footwear industry, delivering over 600 million insoles annually to more than 550 global brands.
Known for its dedication to quality, consistency, and innovative materials, OrthoLite works closely with top footwear brands to produce customized insoles that optimize shoe performance and comfort. Through collaborative development processes, OrthoLite has built a reputation for excellence, contributing to the company’s strong foothold in the market.
