BEHIND_Meet our people

Get to know the People at Esprit!

What is a company if not for the People? Everyone has a story to tell and we are extremely proud of the People who keep our amazing company on top of its game. So grab a cuppa, take a moment and get to know the People behind the brand, what inspires them and how they became part of the Esprit Family!

Meet Kate

Global Culture & Esprit Cares Manager

Kate joined Esprit in 2017 and works in Human Resources. She says the best thing about her job is getting to know everyone in our Headquarters in Ratingen and in the 40 countries where we are present. Kate is striving to form and build upon our unique culture: to understand it, appreciate it and shape it. Esprit was founded on a spirit of volunteering and Kate leads Esprit Cares, which organizes programs that employees can get involved in. Recently she ran a plasma donation drive, managed a charity sample sale, and organized the Mind, Body, and Earth Week

Her typical day begins with prepping on the train from Düsseldorf to Ratingen, followed by a morning webex with global managers sharing successful volunteering activities. Then, meeting with local organizations or people who have charity suggestions, followed by a meeting with the Apprentices who are running their Spring Flowers campaign, and going to play pick-up football with other colleagues

	Meet Kate Global Culture & Esprit Cares Manager

	Kate joined Esprit in 2017 and works in Human Resources. She says the best thing about her job is getting to know everyone in our headquarters in Ratingen and in the 40 countries where we are present. Kate is striving to form and build upon our unique culture: to understand it, appreciate it and shape it. Esprit was founded on a spirit of volunteering and Kate leads Esprit Cares, which organizes programs that employees can get involved in. Recently she ran a plasma donation drive, managed a charity sample sale, and organized the Mind, Body, and Earth Week.

	Her typical day begins with prepping on the train from Düsseldorf to Ratingen, followed by a morning webex with global managers sharing successful volunteering activities. Then, meeting with local organizations or people who have charity suggestions, followed by a meeting with the Apprentices who are running their Spring Flowers campaign, and going to play pick-up football with other colleagues.

Meet Dilini

Community Manager

"Social media is the future of communication,” Dilini says with absolute confidence. Dilini manages a team who review hundreds of comments and enquiries from consumers each month on Esprit’s social media platforms. “The interactions vary from questions about orders, interest in our sustainability initiatives, or the availability of our latest styles in various counties.”

Dilini reflects, “In my team, we are given freedom to come up with ideas and try them – I love this supportive and encouraging spirit.” Dilini joined the Esprit team and has grown through the ranks as the importance of digital has accelerated. “There is so much potential and so much for us to do.” Recently Dilini led the launch of the new user-generated content gallery #BeEsprit in the e-shop where consumers can share photos of their latest Esprit outfits via Instagram

	Meet Dilini Community Manager

	"Social media is the future of communication,” Dilini says with absolute confidence. Dilini manages a team who review hundreds of comments and enquiries from consumers each month on Esprit’s social media platforms. “The interactions vary from questions about orders, interest in our sustainability initiatives, or the availability of our latest styles in various counties.”

	Dilini reflects, “In my team, we are given freedom to come up with ideas and try them – I love this supportive and encouraging spirit.” Dilini joined the Esprit team and has grown through the ranks as the importance of digital has accelerated. “There is so much potential and so much for us to do.” Recently Dilini led the launch of the new user-generated content gallery #BeEsprit in the e-shop where consumers can share photos of their latest Esprit outfits via Instagram.

Meet John

Head of Design, Esprit Women Design Department

John Connor started life in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At 19, going against his parents’ dreams of him becoming a policeman, John moved to London. There he studied at the world-famous art and design college Central Saint Martins whose former students include John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. “That experience fundamentally changed the way I look at the world” he says. John started as a fashion illustrator, but he wanted to know how clothing was put together, how it was structured.

That led him to pattern making and eventually design, work which took him to London, New York and Milan. John’s role at Esprit is to ensure there is a ‘red thread’ through the aesthetic of the women’s collections. After the direction for each line is established, he sets about travelling, getting inspiration and sketching. For John the essence of Esprit is quality and value for money, “items she can wear through the seasons.”

	Meet John Head of Design, Esprit Women Design Department

	John Connor started life in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At 19, going against his parents’ dreams of him becoming a policeman, John moved to London. There he studied at the world-famous art and design college Central Saint Martins whose former students include John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. “That experience fundamentally changed the way I look at the world” he says. John started as a fashion illustrator, but he wanted to know how clothing was put together, how it was structured.

	That led him to pattern making and eventually design, work which took him to London, New York and Milan. John’s role at Esprit is to ensure there is a ‘red thread’ through the aesthetic of the women’s collections. After the direction for each line is established, he sets about travelling, getting inspiration and sketching. For John the essence of Esprit is quality and value for money, “items she can wear through the seasons.”

	Meet Louisa Area Manager Satellite Markets

	Louisa has a wide responsibility. She sees over the Esprit business in 12 countries including Russia, Bulgaria, Croatia and Greece. This covers 15 Esprit franchise stores, and around 50 multi-brand spaces. How does Louisa manage the complexity of the cultures? “All our partners appreciate the same thing – good quality products and responsive communication.”

	This year Louisa supported the opening of a new store in Croatia – this involved working on the contracts with legal, store layout with architecture, product selection and marketing. “It was a great experience to oversee the process from end-to-end. It’s amazing to create something new from the very beginning.”

	Meet Nam Vice President - Head of Marketing Technology Management

	Nam leads a team of twelve with no hierarchy – how does it work? By setting clear goals and giving the team freedom, people drive themselves and support each other. “In the fast moving world of digital commerce, no one really knows what will be important to the customer in the future. So I give my team confidence to explore new ways - to test and learn.” Nam, educated in IT and business, started his career at Esprit in HR. “My experience made me especially conscious of how to build and grow well performing teams.”

	Today Nam’s focus is to look for continuous improvements in how the Eshop and mobile app operate – online business represents around a quarter of Esprit’s global turnover. The team seeks to build the perfect consumer experience by using a magical combination of marketing and technology. The best thing about his job? “Expect the unexpected – I am never sure what my day will bring.”