Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Languages
Personal Information
References
Timeline
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Liliana Anna Szyc

Liliana Anna Szyc

London

Summary

Highly skilled and results-focused leader with a distinguished record in managing projects within the retail and wholesale sectors. Renowned for driving outstanding performance through effective team leadership, operational enhancements, and significant revenue growth. Excellent communicator with strong people skills, adept at nurturing partnerships across various organizational levels. Proven success in high-pressure environments, executing strategic initiatives that align with corporate goals.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Valentino Store Manager

Selfridges
, City of London
02.2024 - 07.2025
  • Overseeing three locations (Ready-to-Wear, Menswear, and Accessories) and managing a team of up to 25, including temporary staff.
  • Successfully led the launch of a new store concept in a newly opened space for Ready-to-wear and Accessories.
  • Accountable for driving sales and achieving key performance indicators across all locations
  • Developed and implemented strategic business initiatives, setting realistic goals and targets while introducing incentives to enhance sales performance
  • Successfully engaged the Digital and Personal Shopping departments, which now contribute 50% of our overall turnover
  • Within nine months, I reduced the deficit by 30% across all three locations through a robust product strategy, cross-departmental
  • Sales initiatives, and effective team performance management
  • Collaborated with the marketing department on promotional activities, driving footfall into the store. Successful launch of the Corner Shop pop up-the pivotal pop up space in Selfridges.
  • Working closely with the buyers and directors on enhancing the product offering and shopping experience within the brand.


Store Manager

Berluti-Harrods
Knightsbridge
05.2023 - 09.2023
  • Oversaw a team of 16, directly reporting to the European Retail Director, while implementing strategic improvements to enhance operational effectiveness
  • Achieved a remarkable 41% increase in sales for August (overall totals of £1.5mln) compared to the previous year by collaborating with the Private Suite division to promote exclusive, high-demand offerings
  • Successfully managed the completion of a Special Order valued at £250k, ensuring client satisfaction and timely execution (one of Harrods VICs)
  • Developed and executed targeted training programs for new employees, resulting in substantial improvements in their performance metrics and sales achievements during their initial training phase
  • Spearheaded the launch of the 'Toile Marbeuf' pop-up, significantly enhancing brand visibility and customer engagement


Dual site manager

Salvatore Ferragamo, Harrods
Knightsbridge
12.2019 - 05.2023
  • Managed a cross-functional team of 16, effectively navigating operational challenges in the aftermath of Covid while reporting directly to the European Manager
  • Drove a notable 42% increase in year-to-date sales by introducing new product lines in the women’s category
  • Successfully penetrated new markets, attracting North American and Nigerian customers through tailored product offerings
  • Maintained robust sales performance during lockdowns by innovating virtual selling strategies, securing a top 5 brand ranking in Harrods
  • Enhanced cross-selling strategies, resulting in a 44% sales increase in womenswear and an 18% increase in menswear compared to the previous year

General Manager

WWRD Luxury Homeware Brands, Harrods
Knightsbridge, City of London
07.2018 - 12.2019
  • Led a team of 16, including temporary staff management during peak seasons, while reporting to the UK Sales Director
  • Directed the performance of the largest retail account for the Fiskars Group, enhancing the online presence of various homeware brands
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive sales calendar in collaboration with marketing teams to maximize event-driven sales opportunities
  • Managing omnichannel on Harrods.com
  • Increased gross margin from 69% to 76% through strategic cost management and a refined product assortment strategy
  • Identified new business opportunities related to the product.
  • Successfully negotiated large orders of £350k and above.
  • Managed key stakeholder relationships for smoother project completion during the opening of the location in Harrods (moving from the 2nd to the 3rd floor).
  • Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability. Facilitated organizational restructuring by streamlining headcounts and redefining job titles.

Boutique Manager (Contract)

Monica Vinader
South Molton Street
10.2017 - 05.2018

Sales Manager/Acting General Manager

Ralph Lauren
New Bond Street
11.2015 - 02.2017
  • I was made redundant in February 2017

Store Manager

Michael Kors; Harrods
Knightsbridge, City of London
04.2013 - 08.2015

Assistant Manager

L.K. Bennett
Harvey Nichols, London
01.2012 - 03.2013

Education

Artificial Intelligence Programme - Business

Said Business School/University of Oxford
UK
09.2024 - 11.2024

Leading Strategic Projects - Business

Said Business School/University of Oxford
Oxford, Oxfordshire
05.2025 - 07.2025

Executive Leadership Programme - Business

Said Business School/University of Oxford
UK
01.2024 - 04.2024

Graduated with honours - Economics, Business Administration, and Marketing

Humanistic & Economic College
Lodz, Poland
09.2001 - 09.2004

Skills

  • Client Relationship Management
  • Brand awareness strategies
  • Retail and wholesale operations understanding
  • People development proficiency
  • Strategic visioning
  • Networking capabilities


Languages

English
Fluent
Polish
Native

Personal Information

Nationality: European Citizen (Settled Status)

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Leading Strategic Projects - Business

Said Business School/University of Oxford
05.2025 - 07.2025

Artificial Intelligence Programme - Business

Said Business School/University of Oxford
09.2024 - 11.2024

Valentino Store Manager

Selfridges
02.2024 - 07.2025

Executive Leadership Programme - Business

Said Business School/University of Oxford
01.2024 - 04.2024

Store Manager

Berluti-Harrods
05.2023 - 09.2023

Dual site manager

Salvatore Ferragamo, Harrods
12.2019 - 05.2023

General Manager

WWRD Luxury Homeware Brands, Harrods
07.2018 - 12.2019

Boutique Manager (Contract)

Monica Vinader
10.2017 - 05.2018

Sales Manager/Acting General Manager

Ralph Lauren
11.2015 - 02.2017

Store Manager

Michael Kors; Harrods
04.2013 - 08.2015

Assistant Manager

L.K. Bennett
01.2012 - 03.2013

Graduated with honours - Economics, Business Administration, and Marketing

Humanistic & Economic College
09.2001 - 09.2004
Liliana Anna Szyc