Mel joined YOOX-NET-A-PORTER Group over 3 years ago, where she expanded her skill set on retail and technology. Through strong mentorship and hard-work, she has flourished into a strong technology leader.
My career journey…
Prior to joining YNAP, I absolutely loved the brands and what YNAP represented. When the opportunity presented itself, I joined YNAP in May of 2017 as the Global Head of Projects. I was overseeing the corporate technology and infrastructure projects, working closely with the engineering and support teams. We were looking after new services, new infrastructure for the warehouses, and other exciting projects. I had a team of 5 people in the projects area and that grew up to about 20 people. We really started to develop roadmaps, governance, project delivery, and acting as business partners to the business. In 2019, I took on additional responsibilities, where I took over the services and support team. I was managing the global support team of about 70 employees on top of the 20 in projects. I loved the additional responsibility and learning more about service and support space. From there, I moved into the commerce domain, where I am accountable for all the commerce across multi-brands like Mr Porter, the Outnet, etc… I have had such varied roles in the past 3 years. It has been a great pleasure and experience.
What I have learned…
There is always going to be complexities and legacy challenges. I have learned to take these head on and find a way to make something work. We need to work collaboratively with the teams and build on the relationships.
What has impressed me…
The thing that impresses me the most at YNAP is the collaboration between all the teams. As a company, we always strive to do better. We want to be the leader in the luxury retail. That is part of the driving force that keeps us motivated and doing what we do every day with innovation always shining through.
What surprised me…
The opportunity in the company to grow professionally and personally. I was slightly expecting it, but it’s gone over and above my expectations.
My favorite YNAP memory…
Definitely when I won the Future CIO award at Women in Tech ceremony. It was a massive surprise, because I have never won anything in my life before! The senior leaders at YNAP had nominated me and it was such a surprise. It took me a couple of minutes to realize that they called my name and I needed to stand up and go on stage. It was incredible! It meant a lot to me not only be recognized internally, but also by the board of Women in Tech.
My wise words:
Where there is a will, there is a way. Challenges will be thrown at you, but if you have the determination and motivation, you can succeed. This is what I work and live by.
Advice to other women in tech…
It is so important to have a mentor and find someone that you can look up to in the business. They can help guide you and champion you in the organization. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to aim high!