I am a dynamic and versatile leader with over 25 years of experience across multiple industries, including fashion, education, and sustainable business practices. My career is marked by a deep understanding of product strategy, global market expansion, digital transformation, and leadership development. I have successfully led large cross-functional teams, driven business growth through innovative strategies, and maintained a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical leadership. In addition to my business leadership roles, I bring significant academic expertise, having led courses and programs at prestigious institutions like the London College of Contemporary Arts, London College of Fashion, and Surrey University. My unique blend of commercial and academic experience allows me to inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders while driving systemic change across sectors. Steering the London College of Contemporary Arts' Masters program, my focus on innovation in education has forged new pathways in academic practice. My role as a Course Director is complemented by over two and half decades at the helm of Global Fashion Brands and Sourcing, where I have honed expertise in business transformation, Global Business and Sourcing and digital strategy. The fusion of my academic and entrepreneurial endeavours has uniquely positioned me to drive change and shape future industry standards. My approach to key business areas, Future Skills Training, Gender equality, Creative expansion, Sensible and Smart Production, Thoughtful Sales and Marketing, Unified Future growth and brand protection reflects a commitment to ethical leadership and sustainable business practices.
As the Course Director for the Master’s Program at the London College of Contemporary Arts, I lead the institution's flagship program in business marketing and entrepreneurship, with a commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders. My focus is on equipping students with practical business skills and leadership acumen essential for navigating today's dynamic business landscape. In my role, I have spearheaded innovative digital learning initiatives that have resulted in 100% student satisfaction and an impressive 85% retention rate. I believe that education should be transformative, and I am dedicated to integrating real-world applications into the curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Moreover, I have overseen the program's digital transformation, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in an increasingly digital environment. My passion for education, combined with my extensive industry experience, allows me to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, driving systemic change and fostering a culture of innovation within the educational sector.
Commercial Reposition Digital reposition and growth Physical Large scale events retail growth Direct design Direct Manufacturing P&L accountability Oversee retail team Oversee global production Report to Duke of Richmond
Owner of Racing Green - Womens Licence Collaboration with Debenhams Re launch womenswear design direction brand direction team management
Post graduate teaching associate / fashion marketing and business
Commercial Manager design / production / brand position
Ethical sourcing auditing BCI cotton programme implication Key advantages of African Production Value added textile and garments out of Africa costing of garments and compassion to India and China Logistics of import Matching up with Retailers, and sampling programme Growth opportunities and vertical production Ethical and Fair-trade - how is this achievable and still achieve required margins Panelist for ethical forums
As the Founder and CEO of RUBY LONDON, I conceptualized and scaled a globally recognized denim brand that achieved £1 million in sales within its first year. My passion for innovation in fashion drives my commitment to product development, sourcing, and supply chain operations, where I have successfully overseen relationships with international suppliers. Throughout my journey, I have expanded RUBY LONDON into global markets, including the USA and UK, while spearheading e-commerce and digital sales strategies that elevate brand visibility and customer engagement. I take pride in managing cross-functional teams across design, marketing, and operations, fostering a culture of leadership and innovation that inspires collaboration and drives results. With a strong focus on sustainability and ethical business practices, I am dedicated to shaping the future of the fashion industry through strategic growth and operational excellence. Let’s connect and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth in the ever-evolving landscape of fashion and e-commerce.
Responsible for Design, Inspiration, Sourcing, Supply & route to market for multi high street brands, ranges and start ups, including Arcadia (Top Shop, Dorothy Perkins) Marks & Spencer - Women, Mens and Kids Odel - on-line fashion
The total casual and denim buy. Product selection for all denim and casual product for stores. Direct design team to produce key product to achieve maximum high sell through. Management of all departmental staff including merchandising and allocators. Main contact and liaison for all factories both Far East and Europe. Sourcing new factories in key territories. Re-branding and positioning of casual product within store identity. Responsible for sealing procedure of garments. Management of all fits, sample to sealer. • Successfully raised brand level of casual product offer. • Involved in the first UK advertising of the Warehouse brand in Vogue. • Significant departmental sales increases and introduction of new key suppliers.
Formulation of a strategy for stable growth and development of the womens wear brand. Re-branded women's wear to sit alongside men's offer Responsible for complete womens wear buy in all product areas and sign off. Oversaw design department and direct product development. Purchasing of all fabrics for ranges pre season. Analysis of sales history and product history to ascertain winning lines and repeat business. Definition of the vision and customer profile of the Reiss womenswear brand to retail level. Stock management – mark down and stock movement by store location. Creation and management of critical path for production and merchandising. Management of womenswear team. Management of open to buy, forecasting for new store openings/planned growth. Development for Reiss USA Achievements: • Established Reiss womens wear on platform it still trades from today. • Brought the global vision to David Reiss, helped scope plans to open USA stores. • Re-established design team to grow brand into its present day format. • Successfully established womens wear as the main product area for the company, overachieving sales on the established menswear ranges.
Prepare for sale of business and increase business in the USA. Buying and implementing new product area suited to USA market. Recruited retail team, worked with design team to improve collection of USA market. Worked with merchandising team to re-design stores to increase brand profile in USA regions. Achievements: • Increased LFL sales in collection stores by 35% • Increased USA group sales by 25% over a six month period.
Opened womens wear retail store targeting 20-40 year old fashion conscious, professional women. Design and development of a medium apparel range of ready to wear women’s clothing. Grew company to a business with 2 standalone stores and wholesale Built a retail team to maintain store sales targets – 20 people across both stores Achievements: • Runner up in best new retail store – drapers.
Fx dealer
Yen IRS swaps trainee broker
Buyers assistant and assistant to 3 Directors including Finance Director. Worked on own range and collections, created warehouse sale concept.