Seasoned professional with 25 years in the fashion industry and global business management, driving growth for top brands such as Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger. Proven leadership in guiding international and national teams to achieve business objectives. Expertise in business development, sales management, franchising, licensing, and marketing, enabling companies to thrive in challenging markets.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO
Rollor Packaging
The Hague
06.2021 - Current
Responsible for the transformation of Rollor Packaging into a competitive international business, emphasizing growth and sustainability within its inaugural year.
Managed shareholder expectations effectively while navigating the influence of previous owners during the transition period.
Directed market research to align Rollor Packaging's product offerings with current industry needs and customer expectations in e-commerce and logistics.
Executed strategic plans to select optimal licensing and production partners, scaling operations and enhancing product quality.
Established a robust company infrastructure, positioning Rollor Packaging as a frontrunner in innovative and sustainable fashion packaging solutions.
Innovated the patented anti-crease Rollor technology, revolutionizing the e-commerce packaging experience by ensuring fashion items are ready to wear upon delivery.
Led the charge in sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices into packaging design and development.
Elevated brand reputation by delivering an unparalleled unboxing experience, setting a new industry benchmark for customer satisfaction.
Oversaw comprehensive quality testing of Rollor items to ensure an exceptional and memorable unpacking experience for end consumers.
Built a solid license and distribution network for Rollor from 0 to 24 new partners.
Laid a solid foundation for Rollor Packaging over five years, creating a platform for sustained growth and future expansion.
Owner
Stefan Zwiebel Consulting Ltd
London
01.2010 - Current
Business development for international high-profile fashion brands including Liberty London, Escada, Saint Laurent, Max Mara, and emerging labels such as Josh V, Claes Iversen, SuperTrash, and Wolford over a ten-year period.
I acted as the Interim CEO at Pentland Brands from July 2019 to November 2020, successfully launching Lacoste, KangaROOS, and SeaVees footwear in key European markets.
Collaborated closely with the management team to strategise and execute market entry and growth plans for premium footwear brands in Scandinavia, Germany, Benelux, and the UK.
Finding the right distribution and license partners.
Directed a business unit focused on three premium footwear brands, with a primary objective of driving sales growth and market expansion.
Increased sales revenue by re-evaluating sales team objectives and performance, leading to more effective sales strategies.
Played a pivotal role in recruiting new agents and distributors globally, significantly increasing brand presence and market penetration.
Head of Wholesale
Liberty London
London
03.2007 - 01.2010
P&L responsible for the global expansion of the Luxury Department Store's exclusive own collection line, building the brand's international presence.
Managed key external sales offices in Paris, Milan, New York City, and Hong Kong, aligning strategies with local market dynamics.
Directed a team of 5 wholesalers, overseeing order entry and tailoring marketing initiatives to diverse markets.
Achieved a 23% increase in sales during the second year by optimizing company capabilities and capitalizing on market opportunities.
Extensive international travel, dedicating 50% of the year to cultivating relationships and expanding the brand's footprint in new and existing territories.
Director of Sales
Lacoste Australia/New Zealand
Sydney
08.2004 - 01.2007
Responsible for the brands retail and wholesale strategy expansion to drive business growth across multiple divisions.
Managed profit and loss statements for Women, Men, Accessories, Shoes, Body Wear, and Kids divisions, ensuring financial accountability and performance.
Led strategic planning and execution for Australian and New Zealand markets in alignment with the French management team's corporate strategy.
Oversaw a team of 20 professionals, providing leadership and direction to four direct reports.
Managed a collaborative relationship with the Paris headquarters, reporting directly to the VP of Wholesale.
Developed and implemented strategic sales plans for wholesale and franchise divisions to support and enhance the corporate business plan.
Successfully reorganized the women's division to improve efficiency and market responsiveness.
Restructured the sales team to emphasize product innovation, team cohesion, and client retention.
Launched shop-in-shop stores and franchise strategies for key accounts, executing plans to expand market presence and brand visibility.
Head of Wholesale
Polo Ralph Lauren Australia/New Zealand
Sydney
07.2002 - 07.2004
Managed budget and sales operations for Polo Ralph Lauren, Lauren, and Ralph Lauren Kids across Australia and New Zealand markets.
Led and inspired four distinct sales teams to achieve strategic objectives and drive revenue growth.
Oversaw key account management, ensuring robust and sustainable relationships with major clients.
Collaborated closely with design teams in New York and Hong Kong to contribute to product development initiatives.
Reported directly to the General Manager of Australia/New Zealand, providing insightful market analysis and progress updates.
Successfully implemented the Kids Wear distribution corner concept in top-tier department stores and major accounts.
Drove new business development by launching Polo Jeans in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Pioneered a new franchise concept with Polo Jeans, enhancing brand presence and market penetration.
Area Manager Men
Esprit Europe BV
Amsterdam
04.1999 - 06.2002
Responsible for revenue achievement in line with management-established budgets, ensuring financial targets were met or exceeded.
Exercised strategic decision-making authority in areas of planning, company growth, sales initiatives, and visual merchandising to drive brand success.
Partnered with the Sales Manager to define and pursue strategic sales objectives, aligning team efforts with overarching business goals.
Facilitated market expansion for growing customer base by developing and implementing a shop-in-shop model tailored for wholesale clients.
Managed key account relationships, leading to successful major account sales and fostering long-term business partnerships.
Junior Area Manager Men
Mexx international
Voorschoten
09.1996 - 04.1999
Managed sales operations for an international Dutch menswear brand, focusing on boutique store clientele in the Benelux region.
Assisted senior sales managers in maintaining and expanding relationships with key accounts.
Provided troubleshooting support for sales-related issues, ensuring customer satisfaction and continuity of business.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance sales strategies and meet regional sales objectives.
Developed a deep understanding of menswear trends to effectively cater to the needs of boutique store customers.
Played a key role in achieving sales targets through diligent client management and problem-solving initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) - International Marketing
Process Improvement Specialist/Plant and Production and Finishing Manager/Mechanical Engineering Management/Maintenance Management at Jet Printing/Jet Packaging Group/Valor Flex Packaging/Valor Flex BindingsProcess Improvement Specialist/Plant and Production and Finishing Manager/Mechanical Engineering Management/Maintenance Management at Jet Printing/Jet Packaging Group/Valor Flex Packaging/Valor Flex Bindings