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
2024.02 - 2025.07
- 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
2023.05 - 2023.09
- 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
2019.12 - 2023.05
- 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
2018.07 - 2019.12
- 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
2017.10 - 2018.05
Sales Manager/Acting General Manager
Ralph Lauren
New Bond Street
2015.11 - 2017.02
- I was made redundant in February 2017
Store Manager
Michael Kors; Harrods
Knightsbridge, City of London
2013.04 - 2015.08
Assistant Manager
L.K. Bennett
Harvey Nichols, London
2012.01 - 2013.03
Education
Artificial Intelligence Programme - Business
Said Business School/University of Oxford
UK 2024.09 - 2024.11
Leading Strategic Projects - Business
Said Business School/University of Oxford
Oxford, Oxfordshire 2025.05 - 2025.07
Executive Leadership Programme - Business
Said Business School/University of Oxford
UK 2024.01 - 2024.04
Graduated with honours - Economics, Business Administration, and Marketing
Humanistic & Economic College
Lodz, Poland 2001.09 - 2004.09
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
2025.05 - 2025.07
Artificial Intelligence Programme - Business
Said Business School/University of Oxford
2024.09 - 2024.11
Valentino Store Manager
Selfridges
2024.02 - 2025.07
Executive Leadership Programme - Business
Said Business School/University of Oxford
2024.01 - 2024.04
Store Manager
Berluti-Harrods
2023.05 - 2023.09
Dual site manager
Salvatore Ferragamo, Harrods
2019.12 - 2023.05
General Manager
WWRD Luxury Homeware Brands, Harrods
2018.07 - 2019.12
Boutique Manager (Contract)
Monica Vinader
2017.10 - 2018.05
Sales Manager/Acting General Manager
Ralph Lauren
2015.11 - 2017.02
Store Manager
Michael Kors; Harrods
2013.04 - 2015.08
Assistant Manager
L.K. Bennett
2012.01 - 2013.03
Graduated with honours - Economics, Business Administration, and Marketing
Humanistic & Economic College
2001.09 - 2004.09