High-ranking position secured: Schütz appointed as Deputy Director-General of HDS/L
New Deputy Managing Director for the Federal Association of the Shoe and Leather Industry
Torben Schütz has been appointed as the Deputy Managing Director of the Federal Association of the Shoe and Leather Industry (HDS/L), effective from February 1, 2025. He will take over as Managing Director from Manfred Junkert in 2026, when Mr. Junkert retires after leading the association since 2007[1][3].
Schütz is a well-known figure in the shoe and leather industry and has a strong background in association work. He holds a degree in political science and has worked for HDS/L as a consultant, focusing on statistics, education, and digitalization, from 2017 to 2022[1].
In his new role, Schütz will be actively involved in industry events such as the Barefoot European Shoe Fair in Offenbach. At the fair, he will promote healthy, natural walking habits and barefoot shoes as a long-term trend, emphasizing their significance beyond mere fashion[4][5]. The fair is a key industry platform with market research presentations, expert lectures, workshops, and product-testing opportunities for visitors, all supported by Schütz's leadership.
The HDS/L, headquartered in Berlin, represents the interests of the German shoe and leather goods industry. With Schütz's extensive experience and knowledge, he is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry's future.
Before his appointment as Deputy Managing Director, Schütz worked as a consultant for HDS/L from 2017 to 2022, contributing to the organization's digitalization efforts[2]. He also briefly worked for the Chemical Industry Association (VCI)[1].
References: [1] HDS/L (2023). Torben Schütz appointed Deputy Managing Director of HDS/L. [online] Available at: https://hds-l.de/en/news/torben-schutz-appointed-deputy-managing-director-of-hds-l/ [2] HDS/L (2022). Torben Schütz's work as a consultant for HDS/L. [online] Available at: https://hds-l.de/en/news/torben-schutz-work-as-consultant-for-hds-l/ [3] HDS/L (2025). Manfred Junkert to retire as Managing Director of HDS/L in 2026. [online] Available at: https://hds-l.de/en/news/manfred-junkert-to-retire-as-managing-director-of-hds-l-in-2026/ [4] Barefoot European Shoe Fair (2025). Official website. [online] Available at: https://barefooteuropeanshoefair.com/ [5] HDS/L (2025). Barefoot European Shoe Fair 2025. [online] Available at: https://hds-l.de/en/events/barefoot-european-shoe-fair-2025/
- Torben Schütz's extensive background in association work and his strong understanding of the shoe and leather industry will be beneficial as he pursues a career in finance and business, particularly within the HDS/L.
- With his appointment as Deputy Managing Director, Schütz will have the opportunity to shape the financial strategies and business plans of the HDS/L, using his knowledge and experience to guide the association's future development.
