I'm building our brand in China

posted by Katherine Drew
18 January 2013

I have worked with Clarks for over three years now as the Head of Greater China. My job is simple - build the Clarks brand in China. Before I joined Clarks I worked as a Territory Manager for Nike for nine years. The reason I moved is that I was looking for an opportunity and a change. I wanted to move to a role where I could make a real impact. And I really feel that I have. When I joined the company there were eight people in my team now there are 40 and together we will have trebled the size of the Chinese business. And nowhere will this be more obvious then in our retail business where we will have grown to open 300 stores by the end of 2012.

The reason for this success is simple. We are now approaching business in China in the right way. Where in the past we have been quiet and our activity low key, we are now confident, proud and really pushing the Clarks brand to the Chinese market. Where previously Clarks was not a well-established brand in China, our uncompromising (even aggressive) approach to marketing is really having an effect. It really is an exciting time to be involved with Clarks.

Joining Clarks was a very simple choice. I loved their brand, admired their products and really valued their belief in the potential that China offered. They just weren't sure how to tap into it. In return I felt that they valued the entrepreneurial spirit that I had to offer, my local knowledge and the drive for success that I have. I found the leadership team in Street to be friendly and sincere - and couldn't wait to get started.

Nancy, Asia Region Management, Shanghai

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