2019 Winners sample application extractions

Introduce yourself/your nominated colleague and tell us about your/their background and your/their current role

This is the story of XXX, the tenacious half-Polish, half-Austrian girl who grew up in airports and was inspired to become part of a world built on the ideal of exciting - and delighting – travellers of all backgrounds.

Whilst working full time and part time jobs, I studied for my bachelor’s degree in business management at Open University; I firmly believe that anything is possible if you put your heart and soul in it. I strongly believe that my relentless drive, determined attitude and fearlessness is what has helped me to progress in Travel Retail. As they say-you miss 100% of opportunities that you don’t take.

Being the first ever resource of Marketing for XXX Duty Free, she has setup the Marketing Division from scratch and built it into one of the highest performance-delivery functions. A team player and a great leader, she leads by example for many in the organization. Her dedication, hard work and meticulous process driven way of working are a couple of her key strengths which help her deliver positive results.

Tell us in what ways you/they act as a role model for your team/ business/sector

They energize the team with guidance at all stages of their projects. At the same time, is hands on and does not hesitate to roll up sleeves to do tasks when assisting the team members. She easily then shifts to completing more complex tasks such as planning for the team or conducting brainstorming sessions

She effortlessly builds relationships with people at all levels of the organization, from the Barista in our café to the CEO. 

Her standout achievement has been her dedication to implementing the Biscuit Bakery concept – This was a bold umbrella marketing concept developed to signpost biscuits as a subcategory in travel retail. She was brave enough to step up to the task and push for a project that she believed in.

Understanding the business goals and running a detailed study on the target audience is one of the key qualities she displayed.

leads by example for her team by delegating work, trusting them to do it and verify to ensure perfect delivery of the project. She inspires her team to focus on their strengths and gets the best out of them

Tell us how you/they have already contributed to the success of your team/business/wider organisation/sector

2019 Winners sample application extractions

she spearheaded DDF's participation at the UAE Career Spotlight and last year, DDF had a total of 99 UAE Nationals which is a 25% increase compared to 2014.

the 5-pillar strategy of Marketing contributed to 19% of overall sales for the year. By far, this is one of the very few highest marketing contributions to any business's direct sales

Her great achievement was acknowledged when her team received Europe’s Marketing Excellence Award for Best Launch of Innovation: Launch of Biscuit Bakery in Travel Retail and also shortlisted for the DFNI Europe Awards in 2019, Without her perseverance and drive, these achievements would never have been realised.

He is relentless in the pursuit of knowledge for himself and others. I can only applaud his dedication because though so many ships and so many teams he creates bonds with people that are everlasting and now everyone wants to work on his ships on his team. He shows that it can be done and so expects it in return.

Tell us how you/they have made a positive impact on the working environment in your team and how you/they have inspired your colleagues to give their best

‘As a line manager, she is amazing! She is always there for the team at all hours, she champions learning and development, leads by example and is always providing opportunities for others to develop themselves professionally. This sets her apart from the rest.’

India being a high attrition country, there has been zero attrition in the Marketing team. Her team is equally motivated to perform as she herself.

She’s an amazing person with open mind and heart; she’s always willing to help and never shy to ask for a help. Working with her is a great pleasure, because you feel the positive vibes and you want to follow them!”

A fundamental part of this role has been to negotiate with brand partners to encourage creative ways of working. In 2019, we have developed innovative, ‘First at Sea’ pop-ups, brand sponsorship's for fashion shows, personal shopping and on-board events.

Tell us how you/they have innovated or pushed the boundaries to challenge traditional ways of working

2019 Winners sample application extractions

By devising value focused marketing campaigns, through various collaborations with partner brands and with external third-party brands - we have innovated to drive profitable growth to the business. This value led campaigns collectively contributed to 19% of overall annual sales for 2018.

For some, handling multiple sections in a department may be a challenge but for XXX, she saw it as an opportunity to align processes

As well as innovative, new products we have developed categories and concepts which are new to cruise and TR including ‘Voyage Vinyl’, the world’s First Record Store at Sea. The store will feature listening stations to encourage interaction and engagement. The space will double up as a performance area for DJs such as Mark Ronson.

He brought together so many ideas of working, especially when it came to executing sales events and promotions. Showing a side to him of entertainment often creating a crowd inside the shop that is so loud and having out of control fun. It is truly remarkable to witness