The International Apparel Federation (IAF) has named Cem Altan, founder of Aycem Textiles, as its next president – replacing Han Bekke who has been in the post for the past five years.
Altan is also a member of the board of directors of both the Istanbul Apparel Exporters Association (IHKIB) and the Turkish Clothing Manufacturers Association (TCMA), where he is tasked with international affairs and has strong experience in industry representation at an international level.
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The hand-over will take place at the 36th IAF Convention being held from 6-9 November in Antwerp, Belgium.
IAF chooses a new president for tenures of one or two years from among the ranks of its board of directors. Altan has been a member of the IAF board of directors since 2014, and is also head of Istanbul Fashion Week and Koza Young Designers.
IAF is a global federation that represents, often through their industry associations, the interests of apparel companies in different stages of the supply chain, including brands, retailers and manufacturers. The IAF presidency reflects this diversity.
Bekke is also president of MODINT, the Dutch apparel and textile industry association representing mostly brands. The new president carries the manufacturing segment into the IAF presidency.
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By GlobalData“With his long standing experience in our supply chain, I am confident that the future of IAF is in good hands,” says Bekke, who will remain on the IAF executive committee as immediate past president.
Altan adds: “It is going to be a challenging two years for me taking over the presidency from Han Bekke who has led IAF for five years. Especially under Covid circumstances it was difficult for all of our sector to tackle many problems.
“Under the leadership of Han, we have worked hard to carry the garment industry to a cleaner, greener and more digitalised level. I will take this leadership from where Han left, carrying it further ahead. My new position requires lots of responsibilities, hard work, vision and cooperation.”
