Footwear subject matter expert with 30+ years experience in both corporate and consulting sectors. - Design and develop commercially successful and industry-recognized footwear across all categories, price points, distribution channels, markets and genders. - Build and manage diverse, cross-functional teams. - Provide expert testimony and litigation support on footwear product and industry related matters, including intellectual property and patent infringement. - Consistently deliver tangible results for organizations large and small, domestically and overseas.I’ve held vital roles within the footwear industry, ranging from designer to Director of Product & Design for a leading global brand. As a consultant, my work ranges from initial research and design concepts to comprehensive, multi-year contracts serving as a full service creative department, handling all stages of design, development and commercialization. As a subject matter expert, I provide expert testimony & litigation support on footwear related matters; build, integrate & manage design teams, train staff, integrate design & sourcing, review & implement design & development processes. Available for media interviews, panel discussions & speaking engagements. HIGHLIGHTSIn a multi-year, extended contract, I played vital role in establishing and building client’s direct footwear business, bringing design in-house from a previously outsourced 3rd party agent. Managing a full staff of designers and overseeing the footwear design process, I was able to dramatically grow the line over multiple seasons, from 1 style to over 300, accounting for 6 million+ pairs of footwear annually.As part of a long-term contract with a leading Chinese footwear factory group, I led the design process for the group’s largest North American account, a classic American lifestyle apparel brand. The business grew dramatically from its initially limited scope, expanding into new categories and ultimately accounting for the majority of the brand’s footwear business across all categories and genders. This included the #1 selling shoe over multiple seasons.In corporate, I was quickly promoted from Senior Designer for a single brand to Director of Design & Product Management for multiples brands and key initiatives, including new product launches, licensing partnerships, capsule collections with major retailers and technology concept development & implementation.I'm always looking for new opportunities & challenges. Please contact me via LinkedIn or directly at ann@schwilliamz.com.