Saunders steps up to lead British Footwear Association
The British Footwear Association’s marketing director, John Saunders, has been promoted to chief executive, a role he will assume from November 1, following the retirement of Richard Kottler.
Mr Saunders joined the BFA in April 2013, and will retain responsibility for sales and marketing supported by new starter, Jenna Aarons as events manager.
Michael Kelly, chairman of the BFA, said: “We are delighted John has accepted the challenge of taking the BFA forward. He has proven skills and strengths that we have seen in action during his time with the organisation.
Under Mr Kottler, the BFA tripled its membership and extended support for exporting members (70% of the total) and introduced training and mentoring programmes to raise skill levels in the industry.
He said: “It has been a privilege to lead the BFA over the past six years and I am proud of what we have achieved during that time, despite the toughest of economic climates.
“The BFA is in the safe leadership of John Saunders, and the brilliant team now in place will continue with the BFA’s commitment to serve the UK footwear industry and to step up service levels even more.”
Kevin Traynor will take on the additional responsibilities of finance director as well as on top of his duties as general manager.
