Companies

Pikolinos names non-family executive as CEO

Jan 21, 2026 Spain

The Spanish footwear group has appointed Francisco Sánchez as Chief Executive Officer. He will collaborate with the Perán family to oversee the group’s development and international expansion

In this role, Sánchez will oversee the Pikolinos and Martinelli brands, as well as the footwear manufacturing and sales units. He will also act as a liaison between the Perán Bazán family, who own the group, their president Juan Manuel Perán, and the management team.

“After several years of direct leadership by the Perán Bazán family, with Juan Manuel Perán as Executive President, Rosana Perán as Vice President and Carolina Perán as Brand Manager, the company begins a new chapter aligned with its upcoming Strategic Plan 2026–2029”, explained the group.

This change comes at a positive time for Pikolinos. The company closed the 2024-25 financial year with a 6.5% increase in turnover, driven mainly by the strong performance of its flagship brand. The company now intends to strengthen its presence in key markets such as Spain, France, Latin America, China and the United States, while accelerating its digital transformation and sustainability initiatives, and improving operational efficiency.

Sánchez joins the Spanish shoemaker from Cherubini, an Italian electronics and domotics group, where he was CEO for almost a decade. He brings with him over 30 years’ experience and a strong background in strategic transformation, operations, marketing and finance, particularly within industrial and leather-related businesses.

“His career is closely linked to the leather goods sector, where he managed projects for leading companies in craftsmanship and innovation, now suppliers to international houses such as Loewe and LVMH”, emphasised Pikolinos.

This decision also reflects the group’s commitment to a leadership model that is “strategic, empathetic, cross-functional and human”, in line with today’s challenges. “Francisco Sánchez embodies the profile of a CEO who combines brand vision, product sensitivity and management agility, with an approach that connects business, technology and purpose”, concluded the company.

The founders of Pikolinos are now stepping back from direct operational leadership, though they will remain actively involved in the company. Juan Manuel Perán will remain as Chairman, Rosana Perán as Vice Chair, and Carolina Perán as Brand Director. This is the second time the family has entrusted executive leadership to an external professional, following Manuel Jadraque’s tenure between 2018 and 2022.

Image Credits: modaes.com

Spain Companies Footwear Leather goods Management Pikolinos