Ann Williams

Schwilliamz Creative Consultants / Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director

Ann’s lifelong passion for product design and creative problem-solving fuels a career spanning over 3 decades, defined by extensive expertise and experience in footwear design and shoemaking across all categories, price points, markets, and genders.

After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design with Honors from De Montfort University in Leicester, England, Ann joined Clark’s UK as a designer in their world-renowned children’s footwear division. Ann next designed for Reebok, by whom she was recruited to work in the USA, before joining Stride Rite where she became Director of Product and Design, overseeing a team of designers through the entire footwear design and development process, from initial strategy and concepts to final product delivery. Ann received the Stride Rite Best Award for “outstanding dedication, exceeding day-to-day expectations while respecting and valuing others.”

Ann is currently Design Director at Schwilliamz Creative Consultants, a leading footwear design, product, and business strategy consultancy with clients ranging from start-ups to major, multinational brands. As a footwear subject matter expert, Ann also advises companies in the sustainability space transition into the footwear industry and serves as an expert witness in footwear patent litigation. 
LinkedIn | Website

Current Jury

Felipe Fiallo Felipe Fiallo S.R.L.S Founder & Creative Director Italy

Sissi Johnson SelfSells MBA professor and Founder United States

Robbie Fuller Anta group Creative Director China

Richard Kuchinsky The Directive Collective Founder Canada

GFA Jury Member Sean Williams Reflects on His Remarkable Journey

Sean Williams OSD, SOLEcial Studies Co-Founder United States

Ann Williams Schwilliamz Creative Consultants Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director United States

Jazerai Allen-Lord True to Size Founder United States

James Lee Thompson On Running Global Head of Material and Colour Strategy Switzerland

Mary Norton Savannah College of Art Luxury Accessories Design Director/Specialist United States

Oronzo De Matteis OROORO BRAND LUXURY CEO Founder & Creative Director Italy

Chen Wang RedBoots Award Director China

Monica Mei Vera Wang Footwear Designer - Product Manager Italy

Marta Andreassi Freelance / ex Dolce and Gabbana Footwear Designer Italy

Mathew Kurien MIT Institute of Design Head of Department India

Julia Lebosse Sneakers by Women Founder UK

Yael Joyce Vantu Balena CPO and head of design Italy

Eelko Moorer London College of Fashion / Eelko Moorer Design Studio Course Leader MA Footwear UK

Arshiya Kapoor MIT Institute of Design Head Of Department India

Matteo Fermani Hugo Boss Product Development Coordinator Italy

Sara Paiva The Shoe Museum Director Portugal

Fionn Corcoran-Tadd adidas Innovation Designer United States

Robert Quach Nike Expert Designer Jordan SP United States

Timon Kuhlenkamp On Running Performance Footwear Designer Germany

Thomas Le Puma Senior Footwear Designer United States

Past Jury

Flora McLean Royal College of Art

Anna Maria Giano Vogue Italia

Nick Daiber Adidas

Tom Flannery Adidas / Ex Dover Street Market

Brock Cardiner GOAT / ex Highsnobiety

Mar and Elizabeth Shoe Girls Studio

Juan Pozo Prada

Max Gruettner adidas

Andrew Yip PANGAIA

Jorma Seabourne EP Group

Zak Maoui British GQ

Arnau Sanjuan adidas

Daniel Cocking @lacelessdesign / Siksilk

Ilija Nikolic Freelance / ex Marc Jacobs

Trevett McCandliss Earnshaw's, Footwear Plus and MR magazines.

Jenna Igneri Freelance / ex NYLON

Nick DePaula ESPN