Employee Spotlight - Vicky Brys, Head of Retail - Goldsmiths

"I joined the group back in 2019 in the role of National Sales Manager, overseeing our 18 Regional Showrooms all with Rolex agencies.

The role I’d left was as a Regional Manager for Debenhams so the move to this industry was a bold one as I knew nothing about watches and jewellery, but I liked the idea of working within a luxury environment. The concept of working with luxury products & working for a business that was really focused around Client Experience was something I was keen to try. I’d only ever previously worked within the Fashion Retail Industry, working for fast paced businesses such as Selfridges and Topshop so it felt like a real step change in my career.

Within my five years in the business, I’ve had two promotions, starting with a region of 18 showrooms as an NSM, then progressed into a Head of Retail role where I picked up the rest of the Goldsmiths estate back in May last year and then in April this year as part of a Retail restructure, I now have an additional 40 Mono Brand Showrooms under my remit, with a team of five Regional Directors reporting into me.  

Within the five years at WoSG I have seen so much positive change within the business and been fortunate enough to be involved in a number of big projects which have helped our business continue to evolve.

Something people may not know about the role I do or the roles I’ve done and one of the best parts is the Client Entertaining we do, and equally the Corporate Hospitality we have been a part of. I have been lucky enough to attend some incredible sporting events with some of our brand partners over the years including The Olympics, Royal Ascot, The Laver Cup, Wimbledon and The Open at The Royal Liverpool Golf Course. As well as entertaining 100’s clients across the UK in some of the most prestigious and interesting venues ranging from Chatsworth House to under the Concorde in The Hangar at Manchester Airport! 

The highlight of my career journey so far has to be seeing some of the major renovation projects we've done across the estate. If you look at the showrooms we have opened in the likes of Trafford Centre, Liverpool and Birmingham - they are just stunning and a real elevation of anything vs the competition. We have recruited incredible teams and the client feedback we receive from these showrooms is always so positive.

The best thing about this business is definitely the people I get to work with. We have the most talented teams I have ever had the pleasure of working amongst, all whom have one thing in common and that's their ability to connect with people. Whether it be brand relationships, client relationships or team collaboration, they all have a talent for making great connections. 

If someone was looking for advice around making the next step in their career I'd simply suggest you really question what is driving your motivation and what are your key strengths that you want to play on. I could only ever do a job I loved and I felt a real sense of purpose for. This business offers me everything I love about a role; the ability to work with brands I love, people whom I admire and have great relationships with and working for a business who’s purpose and values align with my own.

I come to work every day knowing I am going to feel stretched and challenged which drives my motivation & fulfils my professional desires. I have a young daughter who I am keen to show how you can be successful in your career whilst balancing the responsibility of being a good Mother too!!"