Ethical. Sustainable. Responsible.

David Miller FSLTC

Chief Technical Officer

David possesses an extensive background in the leather industry, with a remarkable 45 years of professional experience. His career journey has encompassed a wide range of roles and responsibilities, each contributing to his expertise and reputation within the field.

The culmination of David’s career path saw him dedicating the final four and a half years at the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies (ICLT), University of Northampton. During this period, he served as Tannery Manager, overseeing operations and contributing to the advancement of leather technology and industry practices within the academic environment.

David’s dedication to the leather sector extends beyond his direct professional roles. In 2016, he was awarded a fellowship by the Society of Leather Technologists & Chemists (SLTC), recognising his significant contributions to the profession. Additionally, he holds the position of Treasurer within the SLTC, reflecting his ongoing commitment to the professional community and the continued development of the leather industry.

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Steve Lewis

Director & Co-founder

Steve brings a wealth of experience to Aventa Leather Group, having previously served as President of the Red Wing Shoe Company in Europe.

 During his tenure, he was pivotal in driving the company’s growth and establishing its reputation as a global leader in premium footwear. Steve’s expertise, vision and leadership help shape Aventa’s mission of delivering high-quality leathers to customers worldwide.

With over 30 years in international business development, in both corporate and entrepreneurial roles, Steve has worked across a broad spectrum of roles. With C-Suite experience, his achievements span all elements of international business management with emphasis on product innovation, supply chain and financial management, and building strong relationships with leading global brands. 

He earned an MBA from the Kellogg School at Northwestern and is tri-lingual.

As a co-founder of Aventa Leather Group, Steve remains committed to guiding the company’s growth, nurturing talent within the team, and ensuring that the business delivers not only exceptional products but also a reputation built on trust, service, and excellence.

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Tom Sharland

Key Account Director & Co-Founder

With 25 years of experience in the leather industry, Tom has developed extensive expertise in supplying premium leathers.

Tom began his career in production management, serving as Production Director at a leading equestrian manufacturer, where he was responsible for overseeing manufacturing operations and ensuring the highest standards of quality across a wide range of products. This role gave him a strong foundation in balancing technical precision with customer expectations, while also driving improvements in efficiency and craftsmanship.

In the past decade, Tom has focused on providing bespoke leathers tailored to client requirements, working closely with designers and manufacturers to develop unique, premium materials that reflect the individual identity of each brand. Beyond his technical and managerial responsibilities, Tom is dedicated to maintaining long-term partnerships with clients and suppliers alike, ensuring that service, consistency and quality remain at the forefront of every project.

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