Paulo Martins, CEO of Celita shoe factory (Ambitious brand) based in São Torcato, Guimarães (Portugal), has died at the age of 49. Martins was one of the three vice-presidents of Apiccaps, the association of Portuguese footwear manufacturers.
The tragedy
According to Lusitanian media reports, Paulo Martins was working out at a gym in his hometown of Felgueiras during his lunch break on Wednesday, 19 February. He fell ill and suffered a cardio-respiratory arrest. All attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. The entrepreneur was a prominent figure in Portuguese industry. He had 30 years of experience at Celita shoe factory, where he started as a simple employee before becoming a majority shareholder. He also founded the Ambitious brand in 2008. Today, the shoe factory employs around 200 people (source: publico.pt).
The farewell
“In memory of our dear Paulo. Thank you for leaving us a legacy of attitude, for inspiring us every day to strive for more and for creating amazing footwear that touched – and will continue to touch – thousands of people around the world”, reads a note from Ambitious. Apiccaps also posted a very touching message entitled “Paulo Martins: the long ride of a lifetime”, recalling his passion for motoring. Martins, who was fluent in Italian, gave numerous interviews to La Conceria, always being available and ready to talk passionately about the world of footwear.
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