About Footwear50 in partnership with Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags
Footwear50 celebrates and honours 50 individuals across eleven categories within the footwear industry in 2025. The initiative is widely respected and has been embraced by the whole industry.
Chosen through an industry-wide nomination process and pared down by the BFA Board of Directors, these individuals represent the most influential and inspiring figures in the sector.
The initiative is inclusive, welcoming both BFA Members and non-members.
Footwear50 culminates in a networking reception in London, where we officially unveil the celebrated list. This event brings together industry professionals to honour their peers’ exceptional contributions, making Footwear50 a celebrated milestone in the footwear industry calendar.
Meet the 2025 Movers & Makers shaping the future of footwear. Explore the Footwear50 list below.
Heritage & Legacy
Supported by the British Footwear Association
Acknowledging individuals whose lifetime contributions have had a lasting impact on the British footwear industry – preserving its rich history while inspiring and influencing future generations
Daniel Rubin
Founder & Chairman
The Dune Group
Brands
Supported by Chatham
Celebrating brand owners, creative directors, and other influential figures driving the success and innovation of leading British footwear brands
Alex Souter
VP UK
Cole Haan
Wioletta Bogus
COO
Manolo Blahnik
Marco Vaghetti
Founder
LANX
Martin Ingram
Managing Director
Josef Seibel
Nick Drury
Head of Footwear
Barbour
Iain Moore
Founder
BGreater
Moema Pimentel
Managing Director
Anatomic Shoes
Martin Shobo
Director of Product Management
Birkenstock
Sarkis Bayramian
Product Development
LANX
Sustainability
Supported by Eurofins BLC
Recognising individuals or businesses making a significant impact in driving sustainable practices across the footwear industry – from materials innovation to ethical production and circular business models
John Kennedy
Chief Executive Officer
Gen Phoenix
Rhian Owen
Lead Project Manager
Eurofins Sustainability Services
Connor Tracy
Regeneration (Product & Value Chain)
Vivobarefoot
Paul Foulkes-Arellano
Founder
Circuthon®
Tom Evans
Innovation and Sustainability Design Manager
AirWair International
Helen Denton
Accounts Manager
DB Shoes
Nigel Bradbury
Sustainability Manager
schuh
Craft & Artisanship
Supported by Church’s
Celebrating master shoemakers, leatherworkers, and artisans whose dedication to traditional skills and quality craftsmanship continues to define excellence in British footwear
Jase Cooper
Founder & CEO
London Sneaker School
Georgina Harrison
Closing Room Operative
Church’s
Sebastian Tarek
Shoemaker
Sebastian Tarek Shoemaker
Thomas J. Rowe
Owner & Shoemaker
Footwear For Film
Freddy Saunders
Mobile Manager
Timpson
Marketing & Brand Builders
Supported by Push Group
Honouring professionals in marketing, PR, digital content, and storytelling whose creativity and expertise have strengthened brand identity and consumer engagement
Darren Day
Chief Marketing Officer
Clarks
Eleanor Wardle
Global Marketing Director
FitFlop
Jennifer Tyley
Marketing and Ecommerce Director
Start-Rite Shoes
Katie Malley
Marketing Manager
GORAL
Retailers
Supported by Hotter
Celebrating key players from multiple and independent retailers – from buyers and merchandisers to managing directors and business owners – who are shaping the consumer landscape
Debbie Gardner
Merchandising Director
Hotter Shoes
Robert Hiley
Head of Sourcing and Supply Chain
Kurt Geiger
Jo Clark
Lead Product Line Manager
Clarks
Ian Colledge
Head of Buying and Merchandising
Tower London
Designers
Supported by Petaurum HR
Spotlighting both emerging and established design talent who are pushing the boundaries of creativity
Matthew Farrago
Founder & Creative Director
Farrago
Florence Turner
Footwear Designer
Paul Smith
Monika Hatcher
Creative Direction & Product Design Consultant
The Platform Collective
Jo Martinez
Footwear Development Consultant & Founder
The Modern Shoemaker
Next Generation
Supported by SATRA
Honouring rising stars: early-career individuals (under 30 or within first 5 years in industry) whose fresh ideas and dedication signal a bright future for the UK footwear industry, across any role (design, business, manufacturing, retail)
Bethany Foster
VP Online Sales and Marketing
Grubs Boots
Daniel Cope
Apprentice Production Operative
Church’s
Jamie O’Grady
Footwear Designer
New Balance
Stephen Wright
Production & Quality Manager
Edward Green
Tianey Setter
Assistant Designer for Footwear, Bags and Accessories
LK Bennett
Footwear Supporters
Supported by RIF Group
Honouring individuals whose work in enabling industries – such as finance, logistics, recruitment, technology and events – plays a vital role in the growth and success of the UK footwear sector
Kirsty Pearson
Head of Commercial Finance
The Dune Group
Stephanie Mather
Human Resources Manager
Wolverine Worldwide
Paul Bridge
Global Footwear Leather and Accessories Lead
Bureau Veritas
Hannah Coe
Head of Footwear Testing and Innovation
SATRA
Suppliers & Wholesalers
Supported by Streathers Solicitors
Acknowledging the achievements of footwear sourcing companies, agents and wholesalers
Charley Smith
Operations Manager
Phoenix Footwear
Emma Mackay
Senior Account Manager/Brands
William Lamb Group
Tim Chapman
General Manager
Dainite
Manufacturers
Supported by New Balance
Honouring individuals whose work in enabling industries – such as finance, logistics, recruitment, technology and events – plays a vital role in the growth and success of the UK footwear sector
Derek Taylor
General Manager
Grenson
Olly McCann
Head of Production
Loake Shoemakers
Julie Smart
Clicking, Prep, Closing & Shoe Room Production Manager
Edward Green
Tom Turton
Head of Wholesale
Loake Shoemakers
Headline Sponsor
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags
With over 50 years of history, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags is the global reference point for the footwear, bags, leather goods, accessories and travel articles sector. Featuring exhibitors from more than 40 countries and attracting visitors from over 100 countries, it stands out for its global reach and dynamic, multi-venue format. The fair, organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, provides a unique platform for networking, innovation, and business in a vibrant atmosphere that blends professional opportunities with a distinctive leisure experience.
The 104th edition will be held in Riva del Garda from 10th to 13th January 2026.
“Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags is proud to be the headline sponsor of the BFA Footwear50 event. In an industry that is constantly evolving and facing new challenges, it is crucial for key stakeholders and figures to unite and establish common ground. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to do just that, as we honour the exceptional talent and achievements that are shaping the future of the footwear community. We look forward to celebrating these inspiring people and the collective strength of our industry.”
Caterina Bricolo
Marketing & Events Executive
Category Supporters
Craft & Artisanship
In 1617, Anthony Church began crafting shoes in Northampton. By 1873, his great-grandson Thomas, with wife Eliza and sons, opened the first Church’s factory. Innovations followed, including the “Adaptable” model with right and left shoes, and a gold medal-winning boot. The brand expanded globally, launched women’s styles, and co-founded SATRA. In 1999, Church’s joined the Prada Group, marking a new era of modern design, strategic growth, and international recognition rooted in artisanal heritage.
Retailers
Founded in 1959, Hotter Shoes is one of the UK’s largest footwear brands, leading the market in comfort footwear. As a global leader in comfort, Hotter leverages its unique proposition of premium quality and fit, offering 3 different width fittings, along with full and half sizes to confidently provide a shoe for every foot. Selling over 1million pairs of shoes each year, they employ a team of over 400 people across their Skelmersdale HQ and retail portfolio.
Manufacturers
New Balance MADE UK blends heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation, producing premium athletic and lifestyle footwear at our Flimby factory. Each pair reflects British quality, style, and sustainability – celebrating over 40 years of local manufacturing excellence.
Next Generation
SATRA is an independent testing and research organisation with global reach. We accredit laboratories, design and manufacture test equipment, and deliver production efficiency solutions. Renowned for our footwear consultancy expertise, we support brands and manufacturers in product development and compliance. As leaders in footwear research and innovation, we help shape industry standards. Our vision is that wherever you are in the world, you will find products enhanced by SATRA technical expertise.
Supplier & Wholesaler
Streathers is a growing, boutique London law firm. We help footwear businesses navigate the key legal issues you face across all stages in your life cycle: from setting up a new footwear business and initial fundraising right through to business sales and exits, plus everything in between (commercial contracts, joint ventures, commercial property, employment issues, etc).
We love building long term relationships with our clients and becoming your trusted strategic adviser. As part of the personal service we offer, we will take the time to learn about your business, your strategy and objectives and any challenges you may be facing.
Sustainability
Eurofins | BLC is a leading provider of sustainability services to the global leather, footwear, and apparel industries. With over 100 years of expertise, we help brands, manufacturers, and suppliers navigate environmental and social responsibility challenges through testing, auditing, and consulting. Our mission is to enable companies to reduce impact, drive innovation, and build trust across supply chains. As part of the Eurofins network, we combine scientific excellence with practical industry insight to deliver sustainable solutions.
Marketing & Brand
Marketing moves fast. Without expert support, brands risk falling behind. PUSH™ helps future-facing brands stay ahead with AI-driven marketing solutions. We provide:
Expert Consultancy: Senior leaders shaping winning strategies.
Campaign Delivery: High-performing campaigns powered by AI.
Team Training: Up-skilling teams in the latest AI tools.
We combine partnerships and technology to boost marketing performance and help brands thrive in a competitive market.
Designer
We make a positive difference to employers and their staff by providing outstanding HR support. Our approach is based on being proactive and providing straightforward HR advice; after all life is complicated enough so HR doesn’t need to be. Whether you’re a start-up or an established businesses, we enjoy working with clients who value their employees and the contribution they make to the success of their organisation.
Brands
Over 30 years’ of shoe making expertise and design flair inspired by our nautical roots and country life, has led our family-run business to become one of Britain’s key lifestyle footwear brands.
Born out of a love for the great outdoors, exploration and adventure, we are committed to creating classic sailing and country footwear, all with our signature British style, which marries traditional craftsmanship with innovation, the finest materials and attention to detail. Each shoe is of the highest quality and durability, is designed to be comfortable, functional and able to withstand all that nature has to throw at it.
Constantly innovating some Chatham styles feature Sole Spring technology with Poron performance cushioning – which is anti-bacterial and offers maximum comfort and shock absorption. This means the shoes you love to wear are only getting better and better.
Chatham is a brand that’s always sailing forward, never trailing behind.
Footwear Supporters
We specialise in providing international transportation services, to and from all points in the world, via air, ocean and road. Our comprehensive global network has been established to meet our customers’ ever-changing needs. Few companies are better positioned to help importers and exporters capitalise on the trends that drive the global economy. RIF Worldwide Plc is committed to helping customers achieve their operational and financial objectives through continually offering better, faster and more cost-efficient services.