In the latest changes to APICCAPS’s structure, the Portuguese footwear, components, and leather goods manufacturers’ association announced the appointment of Paulo Gonçalves as executive director on January 9.

A graduate of social communication from the Porto School of Journalism, Paulo Gonçalves joined APICCAPS in 1998, at the start of his career. Since then, he has served as director of communications, being “responsible for defining and implementing the association’s communications strategy, as well as for relations with national and international media,” says the organisation, highlighting his work in “strengthening the Portuguese footwear sector’s position in international markets.”

The appointment to the position of executive director, resulting from a decision by the APICCAPS board, “recognises a professional career spanning 26 years in the service of the institution, marked by professionalism, competence and dedication.”

Founded in 1975, APICCAPS represents more than 1,500 companies across the Portuguese footwear cluster, which includes the footwear, footwear components, and leather goods industries, as well as the equipment industry and trade serving these sectors. Since 2017, it has been led by Luís Onofre, who was re-elected president two years ago.