Head of UK’s biggest shoe manufacturer is leaving firm

The chief executive of shoe manufacture Hotter is stepping down after three years in the role.

Sara Prowse is being replaced by Ian Watson at the Skelmersdale based firm.

Ms Prowse said: “I’m very sad to be leaving. Hotter is a great business and the brand has huge potential domestically and internationally.

“I am leaving in the knowledge that the business is set up well to compete in what is going to be a continued challenging retail market.”

Ian Watson will become Hotter’s new chief rxecutive at the beginning of March. He is joining from Start- Rite, which he has led since 2016.

Under his leadership, the brand has developed a strong strategic plan to transform its products, processes and people.

Prior to that Ian was European Managing Director of German manufacturer Britax Childcare.

Sara Prowse took over from managing director Peter Taylor and has helped grow the business – which is currently the UK’s biggest shoe manufacturer.

She was the former managing director of Land’s End and she has experience in digital, direct marketing, merchandising, transformation change, strategy and leadership.

Hotter specialises in women’s and men’s shoes that are aimed at the older market.

The firm was founded in 1959 as a slipper manufacturer. It now offers a collection of stylish women’s and men’s shoes with hidden features including super soft and breathable leathers, lightweight and flexible soles and underfoot cushioning.

The company employs more than 1,200 people and has over three million customers.

Hotter’s multi-channel sales platforms enable customers to shop online and through mail-order catalogues in the UK and US, at more than 80 UK stores and in Europe.

Its state-of-the-art factory produces a pair of hand-finished shoes every 20 seconds which, according to the British Footwear Association, makes it the UK’s largest shoe manufacturer.