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Andrew Willetts
On a planned sabbatical.
Professional Background
Andrew Willetts is a highly skilled professional in the footwear and accessories industry, bringing a wealth of experience in technical management and retail buying. His career journey has primarily unfolded at renowned companies such as Clarks, Gap International Sourcing Limited, and Aldo Group, where he honed his expertise in product integrity and technical standards. Currently based in China, Andrew leads initiatives that connect management, buying and merchandising teams, production managers, and technicians. His profound insight into the manufacturing process enables him to bridge communication effectively between these groups, enhancing collaboration and driving excellence within the supply chain.
Andrew’s extensive expertise in various footwear styles—including dress high heels, casual shoes, boots, and ath-leisure options—positions him uniquely in the global market. He works diligently with both high-end and casual footwear, ensuring that the products meet and exceed commercial technical standards while maintaining aesthetic integrity. This blend of skills and experiences has rendered Andrew a vital asset in developing innovative solutions that enhance brand value beyond mere sales.
Education and Achievements
Andrew Willetts began his educational pursuits at Strode College, where he cultivated initial skills essential for a career in footwear. He further advanced his knowledge by studying Management at the Footwear C & G London Institute. Through these educational pathways, Andrew gained critical insights into the intricacies of footwear design, production management, and the overall retail landscape that would serve him well throughout his career.
His noteworthy professional history includes leadership roles where he served as Technical And Product Integrity Director at Gap International Sourcing Limited and Technical Director at Aldo Group. In these positions, Andrew spearheaded strategic initiatives that emphasized quality protocols and proactive analysis—ensuring that products not only met safety standards but also aligned with the brand’s aesthetic goals while fulfilling user needs.
As a Technical And Development Manager at Next Sourcing Limited and Independent Footwear Sourcing And Technical Consultant at Yardly Footwear, Andrew helped various retail companies optimize their production standards and established effective partnerships within the supply chain. His career has not only been marked by significant titles but also by impactful contributions to product development and supply chain integrity.
Skills and Expertise
Andrew's expertise encompasses a wide range of proficiencies, including:
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with management, buying and merchandising teams, and technicians to enhance communication and efficiency.
- Technical Design and Production Knowledge: Mastery over fitting, technical design, and production processes tailored for diverse markets, especially in US and UK regions.
- Supply Chain Management: Development of strategic partnerships with suppliers to streamline raw materials and manufacturing processes while aligning production with expected KPIs.
- Quality Assurance Protocols: Andrew implements a thorough quality protocol process, including risk analysis and lab testing, ensuring that production meets high standards and adheres to regulatory guidelines.
- Coaching and Leadership: Andrew has coached and developed numerous teams within the supply chain, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Through these skills and his extensive industry knowledge, Andrew Willetts exemplifies an expert leader in the footwear sector, consistently driving innovation and maintaining high product quality across various platforms.
Achievements
- Successfully led product integrity initiatives at Gap International Sourcing Limited, enhancing operational efficiencies.
- Developed technical partnerships that optimized the supply chain efficiency for multiple leading retailers.
- Pioneered training programs that improved quality assurance processes across factories in different regions, including Brazil and South Africa.
- Coached and developed teams that consistently met their production KPIs, fostering a proactive approach to quality and communication.
Final Thoughts
As an influential figure in the sector, Andrew Willetts continues to uphold his commitment to excellence, innovation, and quality. His unique blend of experience, education, and leadership positions him as an invaluable asset to any organization in the footwear and accessories industry.
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