David Edwards – Leadership and luxury in the watchmaking industry
Manage episode 462393868 series 3520251
Episode 59
SUMMARY
David Edwards – Leadership and luxury in the watchmaking industry
David Edwards is Managing Director of Seiko UK. He has been a senior leader in the British watchmaking industry for more than a quarter of a century, with brands including Seiko, TechnoMarine, Swatch and luxury Swiss timepieces Richard Mille.
In Episode 59 of the Nottingham Business School’s Business Leaders’ podcast, David talks to Honorary Visiting Professor Mike Sassi about developing future leaders, marketing heritage brands, and dealing with customers who pay £100,000 for a diamond-encrusted wristwatch.
INTRODUCTION
• David Edwards is Managing Director of Seiko UK, part of the Tokyo Stock Exchange Listed Seiko Group Corporation
• Seiko UK is a wholly owned subsidiary, operating in the UK, Ireland and South Africa
• Since joining Seiko UK as MD in 2018, David has overseen the company’s strategic direction and operations
• Last year Seiko celebrated 100 years since it made its first wristwatch
• Seiko has been British retailers’ Watch Brand of the Year for four of the last five years
• David has been a leader in the watch-making industry for almost a quarter of a century. His career spans globally recognised brands including Seiko, Richard Mille, TechnoMarine and Swatch
• He was Commercial Director then Managing Director of Richard Mille EMEA, the maker of luxury Swiss watches that sell for more than £100k, between 2009 and 2018
• David studied for his MBA at Nottingham Business School, while working as a Marketing Manager at Raleigh UK, between 1997 and 2000
LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS from David Edwards
You don’t have to be an accountant to get to the top…
“As a young marketeer I wasn't really sure if marketeers could become MDs or CEOs. Most of them seemed to be chartered accountants. But... there is a route. And I did it!”
Would-be leaders need not be shy…
“Looking back, I wasn't prepared to be as forthright as I should have been. Or as willing to share an opinion.”
Aspiring leaders must connect and meet people…
“Building networks inside and outside your business is something you need to do in the early part of your career. It's an essential skill.”
Successful leaders listen…
“I'm very open. I value input. I actively encourage my senior team to tell me exactly what they think. Always!”
Leaders should always take time to develop future leaders…
“Never forget that the people you are managing are looking for help from you to manage their own careers. You have to properly develop people. That's a big responsibility.”
Advice to business people starting out in their careers?
“Take an interest in other parts of the business, rather than just your own speciality. It will help you.”
Working for a luxury brand like Richard Mille (where watches sell for £100k-plus) presents special challenges…
“Every client is a high net worth individual. You’re not trying to find new customers – at that level, they find you. You manage allocation as opposed to finding sales.”
RELATED LINKS
Read more about David Edwards…
• On his LinkedIn profile
• On the NTU website
• On the WatchPro industry news website
If you enjoyed this episode NBS Business Leaders’ Podcast with David Edwards, listen to previous shows with…
• The CMO of Boots UK Pete Markey
• The CEO of Capital One UK Lucy Hagues MBE
• The Chair of the English Football Association Debbie Hewitt
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