LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jack Guze
JACK GUZE has been consulting to global retailers and fashion groups since 2001. With over 30 years experience in fashion sourcing, Jack has held senior level positions with Macy’s and Dayton Hudson. At Sears he was GMM of Men’s, Children’s and Shoes and Group Vice President responsible for International Sourcing where he established a global brand development and sourcing organization. Jack served as Chief Marketing Officer of Reebok, Payless Shoes and was General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer of Myer Grace Brothers Department Store, Melbourne Australia. Earlier in his career he worked for ATID, a Israeli-American joint venture to promote exports and design. Jack and his teams have received industry recognition including a REGGIE Award (plus a second nomination), a Sabre Award, a “Top Ten” Product Introduction Award, Men’s Retailer of the year Award (MR Magazine) and “Turn Around” Executive of the Year Award (Footwear News).
CINDY CHEN DERKACZ
CINDY CHEN DERKACZ is a strategic merchandising and brand leader with extensive experience across the accessories, jewelry, and footwear industries. Her career spans both retail and wholesale, including roles with QVC, ShopNBC, Shop LC, Walmart, and Macy’s. Known for her consumer-centric approach, she has led initiatives in merchandising, product development, sourcing, and sales for companies ranging from large corporations to emerging start-ups. In her role with the Accessories Council, Cindy supports member brands, builds industry partnerships, and helps drive growth across multiple categories. She is also dedicated to mentoring future talent through Purdue University and Two Ten’s WIFI program. Cindy lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Jay, their son, Matthew, and their cat, Philly, and dog, Kimmie.
Selena Mccartney
SELENA MCCARTNEY has been a successful designer in women’s shoes for many admired brands. They have included Steve Madden, The Frye Company, Calvin Klein, Rachel Zoe, Corso Como, Gap and Katy Perry. Serving as head footwear designer for Calvin Klein women’s shoes was responsible for design direction as she led trend research, trend development, trend direction, material development, constructions, lasts, patterns and corrections. Selena’s ability to forecast on new trends and actualize designs has enriched profitability while evolving a timeless fashion-forward style.
LUIS HUMBERTO VELA
LUIS HUMBERTO VELA has more than 31 years of experience in the footwear industry, including five years as Sales Director for Muro Shoes and Rio Grande Western Boots, and over 26 years as CEO of his own fashion footwear brand, Gösh Footwear. Under his leadership, Gösh has grown to include three company-owned retail stores, a strong e-commerce presence, and wholesale distribution across major Mexican retailers such as Coppel, Price Shoes, Pakar, and Moderna. He has actively participated in major international footwear trade fairs in Japan, the United States, and Italy, developing private label collections for globally recognized brands including Kenneth Cole, Frye, Champion, Naot, and Earth. Throughout his career, he has led international footwear projects exporting private label products to Japan, the United States, Canada, Israel, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Australia. For the past two years, he served as the official representative in Mexico for the Israeli footwear company NAOT, overseeing the manufacturing of leather comfort shoes for the Israeli, U.S., Canadian, and Australian markets. He has also been a member of the Mexican Shoe Chamber (CICEG) for over 15 years, leading international sourcing initiatives that have strengthened Mexico’s global presence in fashion and manufacturing.
Global General Managers
COUNTRIES and CONTACTS
Luis Humberto Vela - Leon Gto, MEXICO
Gustavo Berteli - Franca, BRAZIL
Debabrata Chakrabarty - Chennai, INDIA
Eric Sun - GuangDong, CHINA
Maria Palestini - Montefiore Dell'Aso, ITALY