GERDINE W. STAPPENBELT
DIRECTOR PURCHASING & MERCHANDISING
Noordwijk,ZH
Summary
Experienced retail leader with 15+ years in fashion and luxury buying, merchandising, and team development. Successfully managed multimillion-euro portfolios and led international teams in airport and high street retail. Known for hands-on approach, strategic vision, and inspiring cross-functional teams through change. Skilled in strategic planning, project management, leadership, and communication to drive team performance and operational excellence for high-impact results.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
3
3
Certificates
3
3
Languages
Work History
Director Buying & Merchandising (Transformation Project)
TED BAKER
07.2023 - 03.2025
- 130 retail stores UK/EU and e-commerce, GBP 120 million buying power, accomplished GBP 50.00/m2 in 4 months
- Led the transformation of the global Buying & Merchandising function during a key turnaround phase.
- Managed and restructured a team of 16 buyers and merchandisers across womenswear, menswear, and accessories.
- Streamlined critical path and decision-making processes to improve speed-to-market and margin.
- Introduced data-led range planning and SKU rationalization, resulting in significant OTB optimization
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
Head Travel Retail & New Business EMEA
Victoria's Secret
01.2022 - 01.2023
- 7 VSBA (beauty and accessories concept) concessions and 2 cruise line boutiques in the Nordics
- Led and managed Travel Retail business activities with P&L responsibility, driving sales growth through existing and new partnerships.
- Develop and execute strategic business plans to maximise channel potential
Procurement Manager Omni-channel (Maternity Cover)
PVH Tommy Hilfiger
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Expanded Project portfolio to 40 multi-million euro buying RFP's
- Procured and maintained the new TH store refurbishment tender of 20 million euro
Senior Retail Project Manager
GASSAN Diamonds
01.2015 - 01.2020
- 12 boutiques at Schiphol Airport, 2 flagships in Amsterdam, 5 concessions at Changi Airport. Singapore
- Managed a diversity of projects:
- Executed a tender for 3 boutiques at Nice Airport within 12 weeks
- Professionalised the buying team and introduced new brands - achieved 400K sales with Mossika
- Set-up VIP events for the super rich-achieved 350K sales in 6 weeks
Buying Manager
Lagardère Travel Retail (prior Gerzon Schiphol)
01.2004 - 01.2015
- 19 boutiques at Schiphol Airport, exclusive fashion and luxury concession, yearly budget of 60 million euros
- Led a buying team of 8 buyers, assistants and Special Offer and Never Out Of Stock specialists
- Managed 110 international brands, including premium monobrand stores like Hermes, Gucci, Burberry, Bottega
- Deputy of the CEO (2011-2015)
- Main KPI's are and hands-on execution of turnover per m2
Sales Manager NL
BURBERRY LONDON
01.1996 - 01.2002
- Sales Manage for the ladies', accessories and childrenswear collections, working both from The Netherlands and Düsseldorf
CMT and Full Business production manager
McGregor
07.1989 - 12.1996
- Global CMT and Full Business production manager, manufacturing in Europe and Far East
Education
BACHELOR FASHION MANAGEMENT -
TMO Fashion Business School
BUSINESS ECONOMICS - PROPEADEUTICS
Vrije Universiteit
Marketing And Communication - Marketing
NIMA-A
Amsterdam 04.2001 -
BUSINESS APPRECIATION - undefined
COO GASSAN Diamonds
Skills
Critical analysis and strategy
Empowering leadership style
Customer relationship development
Process optimization expertise
Cultivating strong partnerships
Strategic business growth
Effective change implementation
Emergency management
Analytical problem solver
Certification
Al - Prompting course
Languages
Dutch
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Advanced (C1)
German
Upper intermediate (B2)
Italian
Upper intermediate (B2)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
"Gerdine is a pearl in the company crown"
CEO/Owner Gerzon Schiphol
Timeline
Director Buying & Merchandising (Transformation Project)
TED BAKER
07.2023 - 03.2025
Head Travel Retail & New Business EMEA
Victoria's Secret
01.2022 - 01.2023
Procurement Manager Omni-channel (Maternity Cover)
PVH Tommy Hilfiger
01.2021 - 01.2022
Senior Retail Project Manager
GASSAN Diamonds
01.2015 - 01.2020
Buying Manager
Lagardère Travel Retail (prior Gerzon Schiphol)
01.2004 - 01.2015
Marketing And Communication - Marketing
NIMA-A
04.2001 -
Sales Manager NL
BURBERRY LONDON
01.1996 - 01.2002
CMT and Full Business production manager
McGregor
07.1989 - 12.1996
BUSINESS ECONOMICS - PROPEADEUTICS
Vrije Universiteit
BUSINESS APPRECIATION - undefined
COO GASSAN Diamonds
BACHELOR FASHION MANAGEMENT -
TMO Fashion Business School