Meet James Rogers, KOROYD’s long-standing New Product Development Manager
With more than 15 years of experience working alongside KOROYD’s founding members, James has played a key role in helping turn early ideas into real-world solutions.
From the first stages of prototyping and customer integration to supporting the development of new product ranges, his work sits at the heart of innovation, design, and performance.
In this Team Spotlight, James shares where his journey with KOROYD began, what he’s focused on now, how the protection space is evolving, and what keeps his design mind active outside of work.
You and KOROYD go back 15+ years. Where did it all begin?
“It all began when John, KOROYD’s founder, approached me with the new technology, looking for support in how to build out a sales package and presentation, along with branding.
Then it quickly followed with exploring how we could integrate it into helmets through prototyping and looking at how we could cut parts to a given thickness using sheet material to start the prototype builds.
From there, it quickly developed into tailored options for each customer interaction, focusing on how the technology could be integrated and how we could clearly illustrate and build that out into a robust system to get us started.”
What are you focusing on right now for KOROYD?
“There are a few exciting strategic projects underway that lead to exciting future developments, but finalising the body protection range is critical to enabling the next level in our range.”
Are trends changing in industrial design for protection?
“Trends are changing in this space. Companies are starting to innovate, which is where KOROYD is coming in with a different approach.
Looking forward, consumers want the best product that enables them to perform at their best. When considering the design, these factors are critical to the process.”
What is your proudest career moment?
“I would have to say being able to bring my ideas and innovations to life through work with our brand partners.
Two particular projects spring to mind: the STUDSON SHK-1 models, as these have been a game-changer in the industrial safety helmet market, and the latest iteration of the SMITH Forefront – the Forefront 3.”
What do you do for fun outside of work?
“If I’m not working, I’m biking in all its varieties: MTB, gravel and road. I enjoy exploring my local area of the Lake District in the UK, a real testing ground with its rugged trails and mountains.
Outside of this, I am always creating things and keeping my design mind active at all times.”
