For the first time a woman is leading Italian footwear producers

On 9 June last Annarita Pilotti, managing director of Loriblu (Fermo), was elected by a wide majority as the new president of Assocalzaturifici taking over the reins from Cleto Sagripanti. Born in 1958 at Penna San Giovanni (MC), she is the first woman to hold the position of president of Italian footwear manufacturers.
She was elected by a great majority (almost 80% of votes), after a much-applauded speech in which Annarita Pilotti sketched the program of her four-year presidency.

I am happy to have been nominated president and by such a majority of votes – declared Annarita Pilotti – My approach to this presidency will be one of realism, collaboration and shared purpose. For me it is fundamental to really listen to the needs of the various districts, understand the requirements and expectations of members, concentrating on resources. I trust in the support of all associates to make this presidency one open to dialogue and transparency. Outgoing president Sagripanti has left me a great vehicle, now I want to drive it and, after an initial running-in stage to get to know the works, I’ll start to accelerate along the road to developing the sector

Over the next two years the president will be assisted by four new vice-presidents: Siro Badon (Veneto) De Robert Calzature, Andrea Brotini (Tuscany) Pakerson, Giovanna Ceolini (Lombardy) Parabiago Collezioni – Thierry Rabotin, Luca Silvestri (Marche) Safe Way and the board of directors elected following the private part of the assembly.
Priorities on the agenda for the new presidency include tax exemption for investments in research, development and innovation and commitment to training workers and skilled staff for the sector so as to uphold the excellence and quality of Italian footwear manufacture.
There will also be intense lobbying together with Confindustria on such strategic issues as compulsory labels of origin in Europe (“Made in…”) and measures at local, national and European levels to promote footwear made in Italy.