Aldo Bensadoun: From a Cobbler’s Family to a Global Footwear Brand

Speaking in an exclusive interview in Dubai, the ALDO founder reflected on a journey that began in 1972 with a single shoe concession in Montréal and expanded into a vertically integrated global enterprise operating across multiple markets. Despite the scale, Bensadoun maintains that the company’s core philosophy has remained unchanged: listening closely to customers.

“What I try to do is listen to the request of the people and answer as best as I can,” Bensadoun said. “But always from their point of view.”

That customer-first approach, he explained, has guided ALDO’s expansion across regions and economic cycles. The brand’s growth, according to Bensadoun, was never driven by trends alone but by a continuous effort to understand consumer behaviour and respond to it thoughtfully.

Leadership, however, has not been without difficult decisions. Bensadoun acknowledged that global businesses increasingly operate in an environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty. He cited the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a moment that required moral and operational reassessment. Following the outbreak of the war, ALDO halted shipments to Russia, suspended e-commerce operations and paused support for franchise partners in the country.

“We had to take a position and make a decision,” he said. “Sometimes leaders make the right decision, sometimes they make the wrong one. What matters is being responsible.”

According to Bensadoun, humility remains an essential leadership trait. Listening to differing viewpoints, he noted, is especially critical in periods of uncertainty.

Reflecting on regional markets, Bensadoun described consumer behaviour as increasingly aligned across geographies. While cultural distinctions exist, he believes global connectivity has narrowed behavioural gaps. “People today are very knowledgeable, everywhere,” he said, adding that the Middle East has become an important growth market for the brand.

ALDO continues to strengthen its presence across the region, with Bensadoun confirming that collaborations with Middle Eastern designers are already underway. He views such partnerships as an extension of the company’s long-standing commitment to local engagement and relevance.

As the retail sector adapts to digital transformation, Bensadoun remains firm in his belief that physical stores retain strategic value. While e-commerce continues to grow, he argues that brick-and-mortar locations play a crucial role in building trust and emotional connection with customers.

“The store is where you create atmosphere,” he said. “It’s where human exchange happens.”

Looking ahead, Bensadoun expects technology and consumer habits to continue evolving, but he insists the values that shaped ALDO must remain intact. Principles such as integrity, respect and social responsibility, he said, are not optional for long-term success.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, his message is clear: brands must understand their purpose. “A brand has its own character and goal,” he said. “If you truly understand the customer and meet their needs, success will follow.”