The people
our exec’s

Noel Whitehead is the Chief Executive Officer of Bolton Footwear, where he provides strategic direction and leadership across the business. With a practical, commercially focused approach, he is closely involved in shaping the company's long-term vision, guiding its teams and ensuring that the business continues to evolve within a competitive and constantly changing industry.

Noel is a strategic and realistic thinker who believes that the best decisions are often the clearest ones. He prefers facts over assumptions, practical solutions over unnecessary complexity and decisive action over endless discussion. In Noel's world, things are generally black or white — and that directness forms an important part of his leadership style.

He values accountability, honest communication and people who are prepared to take ownership of their responsibilities. While he sets clear expectations, he also believes in giving his team the space and support needed to solve problems, develop their skills and contribute meaningfully to the company's success.

Outside the office, there is a good chance Noel can be found on his mountain bike.

When he is not out on the trails, Noel enjoys spending time with his family and the animals he absolutely adores.

Ask anyone who works with Noel, and they will probably tell you that he has a story for almost every occasion. Fortunately, the stories are entertaining, often insightful and usually come with a lesson that is worth remembering.

It is this combination of decisive leadership, practical thinking, personal warmth and a strong appreciation for life beyond the workplace that defines Noel. He leads Bolton Footwear with clarity and purpose, while never losing sight of the importance of family, adventure, good company and enjoying the journey along the way.

Carin grew up in the beautiful Garden Route, with the Outeniqua Mountains on her doorstep, so it's probably no surprise that she is happiest when surrounded by nature — preferably with a camping chair, a beautiful view, and absolutely no Wi-Fi!

As the CFO of Bolton Footwear, Carin gets to do what she has loved since she was a little girl — work with numbers. While some people run away from spreadsheets, she runs towards them. Give her a budget, a balance sheet or a tricky calculation, and she is right in her happy place.

When she's not keeping an eye on the numbers, you'll usually find her with a good book in hand, hosting friends and family, or planning their next camping adventure. Her greatest joy, however, is spending time with her husband and their two amazing children — they are truly the best part of every day.

Carin believes life is all about finding the perfect balance: work hard, laugh often, appreciate the little moments, and never underestimate the power of fresh air, great company and a well-organised spreadsheet!

Dewald has mastered the art of sales throughout his career, starting as a schoolboy working on the sales floor of major retail chains and progressing into senior management roles in the Middle East. His passion for fashion, trends and design, combined with strong business management skills, has positioned him as a respected leader in the footwear and fashion industry.

His ability to build lasting relationships, connect with people and negotiate effectively has played a significant role in shaping his successful and exciting career. Dewald's hands-on experience across all levels of the industry has given him a unique understanding of both the retail environment and the broader business landscape.

From a young age, Dewald has also been a passionate sportsman. He proudly represented South Africa as captain of the Korfball Schools and Under-21 teams, while also competing in various other sports at provincial level.

Outside of work, Stand Up Paddleboarding keeps Dewald active and outdoors. He enjoys spending his free time with family and friends, making the most of the South African outdoors.

Dewald's strong work ethic, passion, determination and constant drive to succeed have been key to building the proven track record he has established throughout his career in the industry.

Thomas Cawood serves as Head of Operations at Bolton Footwear, where he oversees the people, processes and systems that keep the company's manufacturing operations running efficiently. With a strong analytical background in information technology, Thomas brings a structured, data-driven approach to operational planning, production management and continuous improvement.

His practical nature and enthusiasm for DIY complement his technical expertise, allowing him to approach challenges with a hands-on, solution-focused mindset. Whether he is refining manufacturing processes, resolving operational bottlenecks or supporting production teams, Thomas is focused on finding practical solutions that improve efficiency, quality and overall performance.

As a leader, he combines careful analysis with a clear understanding of the realities of the factory floor. This enables him to connect strategic operational objectives with the day-to-day requirements of manufacturing, while encouraging collaboration, accountability and problem-solving across his teams.

Outside of work, Thomas enjoys putting his practical skills to use through workshop and DIY projects. He is also a keen cyclist and spends much of his free time logging kilometres on his bike, bringing the same discipline, perseverance and focus to cycling that he applies to his professional life.

Tasneem is the Group HR Executive, dedicated to creating meaningful impact by empowering people and fostering a positive, people-centred workplace culture. She believes that Human Resources extends far beyond policies and processes — it's about developing talent, supporting growth, and enabling individuals to reach their full potential. Passionate about lifelong learning, Tasneem continually invests in her own personal and professional development through self-improvement, coaching, and mentoring, while finding great fulfilment in helping others succeed.

Having grown up in the beautiful city of Cape Town, Tasneem developed a lifelong appreciation for nature, breathtaking scenery, and the importance of slowing down to appreciate life's special moments. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys leading an active and balanced lifestyle. Whether at the gym, attending Pilates or Zumba classes, hiking scenic trails, or taking peaceful walks along the beach, she values activities that promote both physical and mental wellbeing.

Tasneem is passionate about living a healthy, mindful life and making intentional choices that support her overall wellbeing. She enjoys reading, spending quality time with family and friends, and celebrating birthdays and meaningful religious occasions with loved ones. Meditation and prayer are an integral part of her daily life, helping her remain grounded, grateful, and focused on what matters most.

Driven by a genuine passion for people, Tasneem is committed to building workplaces where individuals feel valued, supported, and inspired to thrive. She believes that investing in people is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting success — for individuals, teams, and organisations alike.