Rafael Calvo was born in Madrid in 1944 and was a lawyer and officer of the Senior Management of the State. Calvo has been active in the footwear industry in Spain and Europe in the past three decades. He has been FICE’s General Secretary and then President, and he also chaired the European Confederation of the Footwear (CEC) and later was named honorary president of the organization.

Among other positions, he served as a counselor for ICEX - Spain Trade and Investment, was a member of the board of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), vice president of the Foundation Ficia, member of the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Navigation of Alicante and has been present in many forums, representing the footwear industry.

"Tireless fighter of decided character and a strong personality, was tough but flexible, able to reach agreement on the most difficult situations and able to focus on achieving consensus for the industry” can be read in several news reports from Spain who quote FICE.

Image credits - Dario Aldanese