Historic independent jewellery retailer, Hamilton & Inches, has a new chief executive officer at the helm.
Charged with delivering an ambitious growth strategy, Victoria Houghton has been appointed at a pivotal time as the Edinburgh jeweller aims to stay true to its heritage, whilst introducing a contemporary style and heritage.
Houghton has an impressive track record as a retail and business leader, which includes initiating negotiations to take on the country-wide franchise for Next in Romania and firmly establishing it with four profitable stores in Bucharest.
She also held the role of fashion and accessories buyer at Next plc, River Island and M&S, and completed a stint overseas in Bangkok, Thailand, working in product development, mainly in silver jewellery. The new Hamilton & Inches CEO says this is where her love of gemology started.
She joined the Hamilton & Inches board last year, where she spent time getting to gribs with all areas of the business.
As Victoria Houghton will be a new face to many in the UK jewellery industry, we asked the Hamilton & Inches boss to answer a set of rapid-fire questions to help us get to know her more…
Favourite food?
Thai — I lived in Thailand for three years as a product developer and took part in a number of local cooking classes, bringing my favourite recipes back to the UK.
Best holiday destination/ or place you want to visit?
Snowboarding in the Alps. I love the freedom of the mountains and it reminds me of my days as a chalet maid pre University. The Alps in the summer is also a wonderful destination, the countryside is so lush, the air so clean and it’s so peaceful and beautiful.
What do you do to relax?
Quality time with my husband and my two sons — it’s all about creating memories.
What is the best business advice you have ever received?
To believe in yourself, take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone.
If you could have three people round your house for dinner, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
Princess Grace of Monaco – the epitome of style, elegance, and Hollywood/European glamour. Francesca Amfitheatrof – artistic designer of jewellery and watches at Louis Vuitton. Inspirational. Freddie Mercury – a unique life overcoming numerous hurdles and could lead the after dinner entertainment.
News Source: professionaljeweller
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