Interview: Kimberly Urbaniak, Marketing Sales Manager at Global Blue

Career in fashion is an important issue on FashionUnited. With this
interview series, we would like to show how versatile the industry is and
introduce the professionals who work in fashion. Recently, we talked to
Kimberly Urbaniak, the Marketing Sales Manager at Global Blue in charge of
the new Luxury Mayfair VIP Lounge.

A visit to the London lounge offers a luxury experience from the moment
visitors’ step inside. Upon arrival, a team of multilingual experts greet
visitors and provide them with refreshments by Fortnum & Mason or a glass
of Perrier-Jouët Champagne. Guests will then enjoy an early tax free
refunding service, dedicated shopping consultancy and the chance to engage
with luxury craftsmanship from brand partners.

What does your typical workday look like?

My typical day revolves around developing our Global Blue Luxury Mayfair
Lounge offering for VIP travellers, where guests are invited to relax,
refresh, refund! This includes understanding the VIPs we’ve welcomed the
previous day, working on strategies to broaden our lounge offering. I work
closely with our luxury brand partners to entice more VIP travellers and to
brainstorm how we can evolve our services. For example, we’ve secured
coveted reservations for our VIPs at a partnering exclusive Mayfair
restaurant, such as Park Chinois. In the next few months, we’re hoping to
launch virtual reality fashion shows that visitors can watch from the
comfort of the lounge as well as introducing artisanal craftsmanship
displays.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy working with incredible luxury brands driven by the quest of new
experiences. The fashion retail world is moving so quickly with the
implementation of technology. I love the feeling that I am helping
contribute in a positive way to travellers’ experience in London. The
Luxury Mayfair Shopper Lounge is the first of its kind in the UK, which
offers brands a unique way to connect with VIP Globe Shoppers.

What is necessary/important to become the Marketing Sales Manager at
Global Blue?

You need to have a clear understanding of the luxury landscape and the
opportunities of new communications channels to engage with your customers
and to build loyalty (a key is to be active on social media platforms such
as WeChat and Weibo).

Did you always want to work in the fashion industry?

My first internship was with Glamour and my first job was working for a
luxury publication in South Africa. I worked for an entrepreneur who taught
me a robust foundation in managing HNWI private clients and showed me
insight into creating meaningful partnerships with mega brands. At that
time, I helped launch the Bentley Mulsanne and hosted charity events for
the government. Before starting my role at Global Blue, I moved to London
and attended a short course in luxury brand management at the London
University of Arts.

If you wouldn’t work for Global Blue as the Marketing Sales Manager,
which
career path would you have chosen and why?

I probably would have worked in an e-commerce innovation team.

Which piece is a Must-Have in every closet?

My Must-Have items are Chelsea boots and red lipstick.

Do you have any tips/recommendation for people who would like to work
for
Global Blue?

It’s an incredibly dynamic company, fuelled by change. The people are
engaged and passionate, which is how we keep evolving at such a rapid pace
and continuously offer our valued partners more.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received in your career?

Change is the only constant thing so build resilience and try to find
something you are both good at and passionate about.

Any personal achievements or memorable moments in your career you’d
like us to highlight?

Launching the Luxury Lounge in Mayfair has been a fantastic project to
lead, the response from our prestigious partners has been huge as brands
see the value in connecting with consumers through offering experiences.
The lounge creates a platform for brands to build new relationships with
future customers who have a keen interest in shopping while travelling.

to discover Sales and Marketing jobs in the UK.

This article was created in cooperation with Global Blue.

Photos: courtesy of Global Blue