Naveed ANWAR, PhD

Senior Footwear Engineering Executive, GenAI Innovator, and Biomechanics Researcher with over 20 years of international experience spanning luxury, performance sports, and academic leadership. Proven track record at adidas AG leading complex technical design, pattern engineering, 3D prototyping, and cross-functional handovers for high-profile culture collaborations and global product ranges. Pioneer in integrating Generative AI (DALL-E, Midjourney, Prompt Engineering) and CAD/CAM computational systems into traditional footwear manufacturing workflows.

Author of 5 published books on footwear innovation, biomechanics, and design, combined with foundational expertise as a qualified pedorthist and former Assistant Professor & Department Head.

SENIOR MANAGER DESIGN ENGINEERING FTW - CULTURE COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS - adidas AG - Herzogenaurach, Germany

(2015-09)

• Technical Design & Engineering: Translate high-level creative vision into market-ready, engineered footwear products across assigned categories, managing precision construction specifications.
• GenAI & Prompt Engineering Pioneer: Lead research and practical implementation of cutting-edge AI design platforms and prompt engineering workflows to accelerate future design ideation and construction opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Execution: Ensure seamless flow and communication between Global Design, Product Creation teams, and international manufacturing facilities during development and design handovers.
• Market & Construction Research: Proactively explore athletic and lifestyle footwear markets, researching advanced construction methods, sustainable tooling, and ergonomic performance.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR & HEAD OF DEPARTMENT – FOOTWEAR & LEATHER ACCESSORIES - Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design

(2010 - 2013)

• Curriculum Architecture: Conceptualized and developed the full 4-year Footwear Design and Leather Accessories degree curriculum.
• Academic & Strategic Leadership: Served in cross-faculty leadership roles as Associate Dean, represented the footwear department to global industry boards and trade committees.
• Technical Pedagogy: Instructed advanced manual pattern drafting, footwear engineering, and integrated CAD/CAM digital systems.

PRODUCT DEVELOPER / BRAND MANAGER MERCHANDISER - Bata International

(2006 - 2010)

• Digital Product Creation: Engineered footwear models utilizing interlinked Footwear CAD/CAM systems with Bata technical platforms.
• Brand & Inventory Strategy: Managed OTB, SKU planning, PD/PD2 development, business forecasting, and seasonal inventory planning.

FOOTWEAR DESIGNER / PRODUCT DEVELOPER - Midas Footwear Ltd. - UK

(2003 - 2004)

• Designed and engineered seasonal S/S and A/W footwear and accessories collections for the UK market.

TECHNICAL DESIGN ENGINEER - Dubarry of Ireland - Ireland / UK

(2001 - 2002)

• Engineered premium Country boots, Sailing boots, Deck Shoes, and Aqua Sports shoe ranges across S/S and A/W collections.

PhD - Visual Arts (Design Innovation) - Tomas Bata University in Zlín (2013 - 2017) Czech Republic

Master of Arts (MA) - Footwear Design & Manufacturing - De Montfort University Leicester (2000 - 2001) UK

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours - Footwear Fashion & Textile Design - De Montfort University Leicester (1996 - 1999) UK