Agile and collaborative leader with over 20 years of experience in the luxury, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. Specialized in global brand strategy, international business development (B2B/B2C), omnichannel expansion, and licensing. I have led brand expansion across key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and the United States by deploying high-impact strategies that drive growth, profitability, and sustainable performance. Through strategic partnerships and mobilizing leadership, I create high-value synergies, strengthen brand equity, and accelerate business growth.
Branding, marketing & business development consultancy • Designed and launched exclusive collaborations for Monoprix with renowned chefs, artists, and cultural icons (e.g., Nina Métayer, Richard Orlinski, Le Petit Prince, Pac-Man). • Led strategic collaborations, resulting in a 25% increase in profitability and a revenue of €8 million in 2024. • Secured strategic licensing deals, including Fauchon, to elevate brand positioning and accelerate global expansion.
Middle East master licensee for fashion & beauty (Lutece Holding) • Secured €6.5M in annual licensing revenue through Middle East expansion. • Led retail rollout across the Middle East, opening 16 branded locations and consolidating regional brand presence; managed retail strategy and brand marketing. • Led Elite Model Look contests in the UAE and Bahrain (2,500+ participants), amplifying brand visibility.
Luxury floral retail chain • Expanded the retail network from 1 to 13 stores across 5 Middle Eastern countries through a combined franchise and owned-store strategy, generating €10.5M in revenue in 2016. • Rolled out an innovative phygital store concept designed to enhance customer experience and strengthen omnichannel engagement. • Led the successful sale of the company to a third-party buyer, including negotiation of key terms and coordination of the overall divestment process.
Iconic French fashion house • Led transition post-acquisition by Korean investor group. • Reorganized operations and realigned brand strategy.
Group owning the Elite agency network and the associated IP rights for the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands • Developed and optimized a portfolio of 22 lifestyle licenses, generating €38M in revenue. • Opened concept store on Avenue George V; expanded global retail footprint. • Oversaw Elite Model Look contests in 70 countries, managing €8M in sponsorships.
North America master licensee for fashion (United Licensing Group) • Launched licensing program in North America (€7.5M revenue). • Opened Elite Fashion Academy in Los Angeles (400 students in 6 months).
Marketing strategy & business development consultancy – Luxury & Fashion • Defined and implemented B2B/B2C licensing and growth strategies in Europe and the United States for brands such as Von Dutch, Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Elite Model Fashion, Technomarine, and Jiki Monte Carlo.
French high-end sportswear fashion brand • Increased revenue by 30% to €55M. • Expanded retail network to 60 stores; led 150 employees.
I had the pleasure of working with Gil Mannarini as Chief Commercial Officer at Elite Middle East in Dubai. He quickly brought clarity, strategic direction, and a strong sense of execution to complex growth and diversification initiatives. Gil combines sharp analytical thinking with creativity and emotional intelligence. He knows how to inspire teams, build lasting partnerships, and drive results. I strongly recommend him for any senior leadership, international development, or brand repositioning role. Shana SEBBAN ELITE MIDDLE EAST / MAISON LUTECE CEO & FOUNDER