Available to hire
Hello, I’m Rucky Zambrano, a footwear and accessories product executive based in Milan. I manage the daily operations of a footwear and accessories business, overseeing development and leading creative operations. I blend design acumen with technical knowledge to craft innovative strategies that drive efficiency and results. I’m hardworking, goal-oriented, and highly organized, with a keen eye for detail. I’m also a personable, open-minded team player who delivers projects on time and within budget, and I excel at building relationships with team members, partners, clients, and industry professionals.
Throughout my career I’ve led cross-functional teams across design, sourcing, and product development. I specialize in relationship building, brand management, competitive intelligence, and new business development. I enjoy turning ideas into executable plans that align with brand strategy and business objectives.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Work Experience
Product Manager Footwear at Spirale Srl
January 1, 2025 - September 9, 2025Product management for footwear line; coordination of design, development and supply chain to align with business objectives and brand strategy.
Product Manager Footwear at Spirale Srl
January 1, 2024 - PresentFreelance product management and footwear consulting under Spirale Srl. Performance Days Trade Show – Consultant; footwear expert.
Footwear Consultant at Performance Days Trade Show
January 1, 2024 - September 9, 2025Footwear expert providing consultancy on product decisions and industry trends for trade show participants.
Category Manager Footwear at Reima Oy, HQ Vantaa
January 1, 2020 - PresentDeveloped creative programs, coordinating design and supply chain to meet business objectives and advance brand strategy; two products won ISPO awards.
Category Manager Footwear at Reima Oy (HQ Vantaa, Finland)
January 1, 2020 - PresentDeveloped creative programs coordinating design & supply chain to meet business objectives and advance brand strategy; led product development contributions including ISPO award‑winning outcomes.
Footwear Business Ideation at Chaud Devant
January 1, 2019 - September 9, 2025Chaud Devant – Amsterdam, created the chef footwear line; built a fashion sneaker concept for the kitchen with Michelin collaboration and Guide sponsorship.
Footwear Ideation at Chaud Devant
January 1, 2019 - September 9, 2025Footwear business ideation; created a fashion sneaker for the kitchen in collaboration with Michelin and sponsoring the Guide.
Footwear Development & Engineering at BÄR Schuhe / BÄR GmbH
January 1, 2019 - September 9, 2025In charge of fitting, lasts and soles engineering; project management and development processes for footwear.
Consultant – Design, Sourcing & Development at Self Employed
January 1, 2017 - September 9, 2025Design, sourcing and development consultancy for Daytona, Chaud Devant Amsterdam, Vibram Spa (Connection Lab), and other clients.
Consultant (Design, Sourcing & Development) at Self Employed
January 1, 2017 - September 9, 2025Consultancy on design, sourcing & development for different clients; led multiple product development projects including Daytona and Vibram Spa engagements.
Global Design & Product Director at Magnum Boots
January 1, 2014 - September 9, 2025Controlled sourcing, re-organization of categories, and development of a new safety line; collaborated across healthcare and service categories.
Design & Development Manager at Hi-Tec Sports BV
January 1, 2012 - September 9, 2025In charge of sourcing, collecting designs and managing developments for all categories; improved cost structure and delivered design process improvements.
Freelance Designer at Various clients
January 1, 2010 - September 9, 2025Designed and developed BÄR shoes, created the Joe Nimble barefoot brand (awarded Red Dot Design), and helped launch Armando Cabral’s luxury shoe brand.
Freelance Designer at Various Clients
January 1, 2010 - September 9, 2025Brand development for BÄR; created Joe Nimble barefoot brand; co-founded Armando Cabral luxury shoe brand.
Team Leader | Creative Manager, Boss Green at Hugo Boss, Ticino SA
January 1, 2009 - September 9, 2025Built a design team and development interface across 5 seasons for Boss Green; defined DNA blending technical golf with lifestyle aesthetics.
Team Leader | Creative Manager, Boss Green at Hugo Boss, Ticino SA
January 1, 2009 - September 9, 2025Built a design & development team for Boss Green; defined DNA (20% technical golf, 80% lifestyle) and created an industrial platform for the collection framework within a matrix organization.
Project Manager & Innovative Designer at Lowa Sportschuhe GmbH
January 1, 2005 - September 9, 2025Managed finish product process, created urban-comfort line, supervised Direct Injection PU lines; collaborated with merchandisers and marketing.
Project Manager & Innovative Designer at Lowa SportSchuhe GmbH
January 1, 2005 - September 9, 2025Expanded mountaineering range; designed new 'urban‑comfort' line; supervised Direct Injection PU lines; collaborated with merchandisers and marketing.
New Brand & Product Coordinator & Founder (Creative Lab Opening) at Vibram FiveFingers
January 1, 2003 - September 9, 2025Co-founded the new brand and led product coordination through the opening of the Creative Lab.
New Brand & Product Coordinator & Founder at Vibram Fivefingers
January 1, 2003 - September 9, 2025Founding role for the FiveFingers brand and product coordination through the creation of the Creative Lab.
Creative Thinker at Vibram R&D Department
January 1, 2002 - September 9, 2025Creative thinker contributing to R&D in the Vibram group.
Head Designer (Founding China R&D Center, US Office) at Vibram Spa
January 1, 2001 - September 9, 2025Lead designer and founder of China R&D Center and US Office; established design and development processes.
Head Designer at Vibram Spa (Founding China R&D Center, US Office)
January 1, 2001 - September 9, 2025Head designer overseeing the establishment and operations of the China R&D Center and US Office.
Global Design & Product Director at Vibram Spa
January 1, 2001 - September 9, 2025Head of global design & product development; reorganised categories and built new safety line along with healthcare & service category; focused on international trends & sourcing.
Design Associate at ZBP Associati
January 1, 1991 - September 9, 2025Design associate involvement in product development and design work.
Design Associate at ZBP Associati
January 1, 1991 - September 9, 2025Design associate; contributed to Milano-based design projects.
Design Manager at DUREK
January 1, 1987 - September 9, 2025Design manager role in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Design Manager at DUREK
January 1, 1987 - September 9, 2025Design manager; led design initiatives in Guayaquil, coordinating cross‑functional teams.
Designer at Sottsass Associati
January 1, 1985 - September 9, 2025Designer at Milano studio.
Designer at Sottsass Associati
January 1, 1985 - September 9, 2025Designer contributing to design projects at Sottsass Associates.
Education
Biomeccanica at Politecnico Di Milano
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000Industrial Design at ENSAD, Paris
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1984Industrial Design at IED, Milano
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1984Architecture at Universidad Catolica di Guayaquil (EC)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1980High School Diploma at American School of Guayaquil
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1977Biomeccanica at Politecnico Di Milano
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000Industrial Design at ENSAD, Paris
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1984Industrial Design at IED, Milano
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1984Architecture at Universidad Catolica de Guayaquil (EC)
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1980High School Diploma at American School of Guayaquil
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1977Qualifications
Industry Experience
Manufacturing, Retail, Professional Services, Education, Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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