In memory of Paulo Martins
The course of a visionary man’s life
Paulo Martins, CEO of Indústria de Calçado Celita and founder of Ambitious, passed away on 19 February at the age of 49. Having joined the Celita shoe factory as a partner and later becoming CEO, the entrepreneur was a leading name in Portuguese industry. A great motoring enthusiast, Paulo Martins arrived too early at the finish line of the great race that is life. He left an unparalleled legacy of leadership, having taught us that commitment and dedication can lead to exciting and promising projects. After a remarkable career as CEO of Indústria de Calçado Celita, he founded Ambitious in 2008, which is now a global success story.
Through his position as vice-president of APICCAPS, Paulo Martins also made an important contribution to the development of Portugal’s footwear industry. His second home was the karting track and he had recently won the National Karting Championship title and was honoured by the Portuguese Automobile and Karting Federation (FPAK) at the Gala of Champions. The governing bodies and members of APICCAPS will be eternally grateful to the brilliant man and stalwart that Paulo Martins truly was for the Portuguese footwear industry.