For the first time, a woman leads the European Footwear Confederation
During the General Assembly of the European Footwear Confederation (CEC) held on December 1st in Elche (Spain), Rosana Perán, president of the Federation of Spanish Footwear Industries (FICE) and vice president of the Pikolinos Group, was elected president of the European Footwear Confederation for the next two years. She becomes the first woman to lead it, succeeding Portuguese Luis Onofre, president of the Portuguese Footwear, Components, Leather Goods Manufacturers’ Association (APICCAPS).
In 2022, the EU footwear industry represented about 20,000 footwear companies across the continent and employed around 250,000 people. The main objectives of the CEC are to improve the competitiveness and growth of European footwear companies, promoting their interests and values. To achieve this, the organization aims to contribute to the development of the capacities that the sector needs and promote the transition to sustainability and digitization.
During her speech, the new president stated that her main challenge will be to drive Industry 5.0, a new industrial revolution based on the transformation of companies from a humanistic perspective. At the same time, she assured that new technologies and innovations will not replace workers but will allow them to acquire complementary skills, helping companies ensure their growth and the development of professional careers.
She also emphasized that "we also need to actively work on social sustainability in the footwear industry. This must be based on considering ethical and social aspects throughout the entire production chain and consumption of footwear." She added that "this means considering not only the environmental impact but also labor conditions, equity, and the well-being of the communities involved in production," all crucial factors for the European footwear industry today.
Finally, Rosana Perán recalled that "in the last 10 years, the CEC has led 25 European projects supporting the implementation of EU policies and facilitating collaboration throughout Europe. From now on, I face the exciting challenge of continuing to transform the industry, a sector that faces many challenges but also opportunities, and its member associations play a relevant role in preparing and mobilizing companies, facilitating the exchange of information and best practices among industry members to improve their competitiveness and efficiency."
RELATED ARTICLE:
- Industries in the sector call for ratification of EU-Mercosur agreement