Stefan Brandt has been appointed director of the footwear unit at Sympatex Technologies. The 45-year-old has been head of the tection unit (medical and automotive applications) of the company since 2009, a position that he will keep. In the footwear segment he succeeds Monica Billes, who will take on a new position within the leather industry. Brandt has held various positions with companies in different supply industries, including W.L. Gore & Associates.