Working closely with Zalando Co-Founder/CEO David Schneider to identify strategic business priorities and implementing joint plans with key business partners.Establishing and cultivating a strong and collaborative business relationship with strategic brand/retail-partners from all around the world. Supporting them in developing a robust overall strategy for the Zalando platform and guiding them through the digital ecosystem.

Responsible for delivering the business development strategy for 3 global brands (KangaROOS, Ellesse and Red or Dead) in EMEA. Managing the success of more than 20 partners across the EMEA region and ensuring that sales targets are achieved to generate the majority of the brands’ sales.Strong understanding of all business functions including strategic planning, finance, product development, marketing, sales, partner contract negotiations and brand building.Working independently to engage and motivate partners, introducing new initiatives and identifying mutually beneficial business solutions to drive increased growth for both Pentland and licensees. Developing a deep knowledge of all EMEA markets including local trends, distribution networks, key retailers and competitive landscapes to build effective market entry and strategic business plans.Operating across numerous cultures and adapting myself to different business environments to build a strong collaborative relationship with partners and colleagues from around the world.

Involved in all the CEO’s (Andy Rubin) day to day business and accompanied him on all business trips around the world as a representative of Pentland. This enabled me to build up a fantastic network both internally at Pentland with brand leadership teams as well as externally with company executives.Conducted in-depth company analysis and market research to advise the CEO about new company acquisitions, provide detailed and informative customer and partner briefings, and deliver information on all Pentland relevant market activity.Organised the yearly Annual Review conference for 60 top leadership delegates at Pentland Brands. Prepared all presentation content, liaised with external suppliers and agencies and managed an internal team of 10 to deliver an engaging and insightful conference.Cultivated relationships with key partners and customers and presented Pentland to top level CEOs in China utilising my Chinese skills and excellent interpersonal skills.Assembled and delivered presentations to both internal and external audiences, such as brand building masterclass presentations at a number of top universities around the country.

Planned and executed the largest Chinese German New Year’s Festival in Northern Germany for over 2,000 attendees, to promote Chinese culture within Germany.Held full responsibility for the event from conception to implementation including event planning, marketing strategy, merchandising, financial budgeting, public relations and team co-ordination.Autonomously managed and maximized the performance of a team of 12 support staff to organize a variety of cultural events to integrate Chinese and German students across all demographics.Cultivated personal connections with key stakeholders including the German Chamber of Commerce and Head teachers of International Schools around the country.

Represented Schwarzkopf at one of the most exclusive events of the professional hair care world.Acted as the main point of contact between the brand and its most important Chinese customers, interpreting press interviews, translating chemical formulas and delivering excellent customer service.Liaised effectively with the models and photographers to ensure that there were no language barriers and that photoshoots could be delivered to their maximum potential.

Supported and engaged with company leaders and politicians throughout the 2010 exposition in Shanghai which required interpreting skills and exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.Took the initiative to envision and create a new uniform for the German Pavilion office staff, using connections within the Chinese tailoring business.Developed a strong cultural sensitivity and cultivated invaluable relationships with senior officials from a variety of nationalities.

Created an individualized development plan for each of the students to ensure they would improve to their full potential in Chinese language, pronunciation and grammar skills.Motivated and encouraged students of all ages to enable them pass their BA in Chinese Studies.Instilled a strong sentiment of camaraderie and encouraged the students to help one another improve.