Sezin KILIÇ

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

• NINE WEST changed distributors in Turkey for the second time, with FLO acquiring both the distribution and production rights. As the person with the deepest knowledge of the brand, I transitioned once again with NINE WEST to the new company, ensuring brand continuity and operational success.
• Oversaw brand management for NINE WEST , leading footwear and accessory product teams, and acted as the main liaison with the global brand owner.
• Led the repositioning of the brand post-acquisition, enhancing brand perception by 15% through updated collections and trend-aligned strategies.
• Played a key role in securing global footwear production rights for the brand.
• Developed and launched commercially successful collections by analyzing customer needs and market trends.
• Managed the handbag and accessories category until March 2024, when the department was restructured as a separate unit. Until then, also contributed to the development of all potential licensed accessory products, including jewelry.
• Acted as Brand Ambassador , presenting seasonal collections to international distributors through English-language product videos and virtual line sheets, enabling remote showrooms and driving global sales.
• Led pricing research and analysis , setting initial retail prices and strategies to drive revenue growth and maintain market competitiveness.
• Managed cross-functional teams for new season and product launches, working closely with the marketing team to guide campaign visuals, content, and in-store visual merchandising.
• Performed market research to guide collection and SKU planning, inventory control, and purchasing decisions.
• Negotiated pricing with manufacturers to secure optimal production and purchasing conditions, streamlining procurement and reducing costs.
• Created and delivered internal training content , brand strategy materials, and trend presentations to ensure cross-departmental alignment.
• Represented the company at national and international trade shows, as well as brand headquarters meetings and global buying sessions with the licensor.
• Provided one-on-one mentoring to junior professionals for three years as part of FLO's corporate mentoring program, supporting their career development and integration into the organization.

Following the acquisition of NINE WEST's distribution rights in Turkey by Landmark Group, I transitioned with the brand to the new company, continuing my role to ensure a smooth and profitable integration

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Acted as the primary liaison between NINE WEST's global team and the Turkish market.
• Opened 8 stores and led all aspects of brand management, including retail operations, buying, planning, pricing, marketing, and local production.
• Attended seasonal buying weeks at the U.S. headquarters, representing the company and leading purchasing decisions.
• Managed a $30M annual buying budget and developed commercially successful, trend-aligned collections.
• Improved brand awareness and ensured sustained success in the Turkish market for over 15 years.
• Developed and executed targeted marketing campaigns ; monitored performance to ensure brand consistency and customer engagement.
• Implemented structured reporting and procurement systems to enhance operational efficiency and forecasting accuracy.
• Delivered internal product trainings and managed customer feedback loops to improve loyalty and satisfaction.
• Mentored junior team members and collaborated cross-functionally with finance, sales, and store planning teams.
• Played an active role in the relaunch of ALDO in Turkey, leading initial store rollouts and collection planning

In addition to managing NINE WEST , I also oversaw additional brands during the same period. I led the start-up operations of newly launched brands in the market, some of which were directly assigned under my management due to my expertise in brand development and positioning.

Key Responsibilities & Achievements:

• Acted as the key liaison between CARPISA, the Italian luggage, handbag, and accessories brand for men and women, and the Turkish market.
• Opened three stores and led end-to-end buying operations across all product categories.
• Managed the full scope of brand operations, including marketing , planning, buying, importing, store operations, and pricing.
• Led the integration and customization of CARPISA's B2B, POS, and sales tracking systems into local operations, and supporting strategic planning and efficiency.
• Developed seasonal assortments and pricing strategies tailored to both brand identity and local market preferences.
• Collaborated with real estate and store planning teams to support retail expansion .
• Participated in corporate meetings and seasonal buying markets at CARPISA's headquarters in Naples/Italy .

• Acted as the key liaison between the international team of NINE WEST and the local market in Turkey.
• Opened and operated 5 stores; managed all buying and retail operations, including stock monitoring, planning, and campaign management.
• Oversaw launch and operations of KENNETH COLE NEW YORK , an American fashion brand:
  • Opened 3 stores and led buying across men's and women's clothing, footwear, and accessories. (2010–2012)
• Managed INGLOT , a Polish cosmetic brand:
  • Opened 3 stores and 4 kiosks, operated 10 sales points.
  • Led all cosmetics category buying and organized regular training for makeup artists. (2010–2012)
• Represented all brands in coordination with their main licensor companies.
• Managed an annual buying budget of $25M .

Progressed from Junior Assistant to Buyer within a year and served as Senior Buyer for over 10 years, demonstrating steady growth and increasing responsibility across international fashion brands. In later years, led end-to-end buying operations and seasonal product strategy for globally recognized labels.

• Managed buying, importing, pricing, and marketing operations for NINE WEST , its sub-brands (including AK Anne Klein ), and Kenneth Cole New York , ensuring alignment with both fashion trends and commercial objectives
• Increased sales volume by 10% by creating fashionable and commercially viable collections tailored to customer needs and trend analysis
• Created and curated the multi-brand store concept "ENZO ", developing seasonal assortments for international brands including Marc Fisher, AK Anne Klein, Circa Joan & David, Bandolino, Easy Spirit, and Ivanka Trump
• Forecasted purchasing trends and enhanced merchandising strategies , optimizing product mix and increasing sell-through rates
• Monitored sales data, market trends, and economic indicators to anticipate consumer behavior and adjust buying plans accordingly
• Led the implementation of new ordering software , streamlining the purchase order process and improving operational efficiency
• Ensured timely product delivery by actively monitoring vendor performance and resolving supply chain issues
• Built and maintained long-term vendor partnerships, ensuring product quality and competitive pricing
• Achieved measurable cost savings through strategic sourcing and vendor negotiations
• Attended sales meetings held in the U.S. and represented the brand at national and regional trade shows.
• Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
• Worked closely with management to provide effective assistance for specific aspects of business operations.

• Organized sales data of the stores daily and weekly basis
• Providing visual or material support for stores in need.

• Translator,Interviewer & Beauty Editor, at BIBA , French copyright magazine.
• Translated documents from French to Turkish.
• Edited and wrote high-quality content and articles.
• Established relationships with PR agencies to secure exclusive access to new product launches