Italian footwear association Assocalazturifici elected Loriblu CEO Annarita Pilotti its new chair for 2015-2019. She is the organization’s first female chairperson. The vote took place during Assocalazturifici’s general meeting at the Museum of Cultures in Milan on Thursday.
Pilotti began her career in footwear in 1995 when she left her job with the police to launch Loriblu with her husband Graziano Cuccù. In 2012, they were named “Cavalieri al Merito della Repubblica Italiana” by the head of state.
In her role as chair, Pilotti will continue to work for tax exemptions for investments in research, development and innovation to training workers in the footwear sector, and to maintain the level of quality Italy is known for in the market. Four new vice chairs will support her efforts.
Assocalazturifici said it will resume lobbying with Confindustria on strategic issues such as obligatory labeling of origin in Europe and adoption of initiatives promoting Italian-made footwear at the national, local and European levels. The association said it also plans to grow its global footprint to help its members tap into strategic markets, including finding placement for the brands in international trade shows.