ZAHRA KASSIM-LAKHA
Zahra Kassim-Lakha, global director of retail and business development, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Kingston-Upon-Thames

After graduating from Brown University, USA in 1994 with a BA (Hons) with distinction in Architectural Studies and Economics Zahra went onto gain an MBA in 1999 from the Harvard Business School Graduate School of Business Administration. During this time Zahra worked for J.P Morgan & Co and worked with senior management advising The Gillette Company on trends in the personal care market. In 1999 she took up the post of head of marketing for Richemont North America Inc. for the launch of Lancel, a brand of luxury leather goods. Where Zahra managed 40 staff and restructured the organisation brining a saving of $5 million.

In January 2004 Zahra moved from the USA to work for Jaeger-LeCoultre, one of the rare remaining fully integrated watch manufacturers in the world. Zahra is the global director of retail and business development for the company. She is the youngest and only international member of the executive committee, with new activities generating 20% of incremental revenues for the company. Her role encompasses retail management and expansion, business development and strategic marketing, corporate strategy - developing the company's 10-year vision and e-business.

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