World

British Footwear Association names Jane Wilson to the role of Chair

Sep 2, 2022 United Kingdom

Footwear veteran Jane Wilson has been appointed Chairman of the British Footwear Association (BFA), replacing Robert Perkins, who held the role for more than four years

Wilson, who has been CEO of the William Lamb Group since 2018, has worked her entire career in the footwear industry. Her previous roles include Chief Executive of Start-Rite Shoes, Group Product Director at Clarks International and Co-Founder of Moot Management Consulting, where clients have included brands such as ECCO and BATA. She is also an independent consultant to the industry.

She succeeds Robert Perkins, who held the position of Chair of the BFA for more than four years. According to the Footwear Association, the knowledge of the industry, leadership skills and commitment displayed during his tenure "have strengthened the position of the BFA" and "enabled the Association to thrive during the difficult times of the pandemic".

"It is an honour to build on Robert's legacy and to work with such an experienced and talented team of Directors", stated Jane Wilson. "I am proud of how committed we all are to the sector. We are determined to be an outstanding voice for the British footwear industry and represent our members' best interests while bringing the whole sector together to ensure businesses have sustainable and successful futures", she concluded.

BFA's Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Reece Raybould, said to "very much look forward to achieving the BFA's next goals and objectives with the support and guidance of Jane, whose breadth of experience in the footwear sector has been a welcome addition to the Board since she joined in October 2021".

Meanwhile, the BFA has appointed a new Non-Executive Director to the Board, Annete Cove, the Founder of specialist footwear recruitment agency Annette Cove Associates. Her background in footwear includes Clarks and The British Shoe Corporation, through Directorship roles at the Pentland Group with both Red or Dead and the sports brand Ellesse.

Image Credits: BFA

United Kingdom Footwear Management Organisations Shoes