Kathy Leigh
Houston,TX
Summary
Dynamic Vice President and General Manager with expertise in optimizing operations across different store environments. Proven ability to enhance customer engagement and drive profitability through strategic planning and execution. Committed to improving customer experiences and fostering inclusive cultures for clients and associates.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President General Manager
Neiman Marcus
Houston, Texas
01.2024 - Current
- Developed and inspired a high-performing cross-functional team to achieve company goals and metrics.
- Managed store operations, overseeing P&L and aligning performance metrics with KPIs to drive profit margins.
- Developed strategies to enhance customer engagement throughout all brand interactions, fostering loyalty and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with functional leaders and brand partners to streamline operations, improving overall effectiveness.
Vice President General Manager
Neiman Marcus
Tysons Galleria, McLean, VA
03.2020 - 01.2024
- Stabilized business performance, driving year-over-year revenue growth.
- Navigated store operations during COVID-19, addressing challenges to ensure business continuity.
- Developed strategic plans for multi-million dollar renovation project as team member.
Vice President General Manager
Neiman Marcus
Washington, DC
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Restructured Senior store leadership and recruited leaders to align with company growth strategy
- Rebuilt brand partnerships and created new customer experiences to engage local clientele
- Enhanced customer engagement, increased top customer spend, and improved conversion rates
- Promoted to manage a small store
Assistant General Manager
Neiman Marcus
Chicago, Illinois
10.2017 - 08.2018
- Promoted from smaller store AGM to flagship location, enhancing brand visibility.
- Directed Client Development strategies to enhance top customer spend and increase visit frequency.
- Motivated, coached and mentored Selling Managers, achieving sales goals through effective team leadership.
- Collaborated with in-store support leaders and regional teams to elevate customer experiences.
- Partnered with two neighboring stores to share promotional strategies. to elevate brand presence in the market.
Assistant General Manager
Neiman Marcus
Garden City, Long Island, NY
10.2015 - 10.2017
- Delivered above forecast results in sales plans, customer experience scores, and KPIs, contributing to overall store performance.
- Coordinated with General and Operations Managers to recruit, train, and onboard 150 associates, enhancing team readiness for store operations.
- Hired and coached eight Selling Leaders and five Assistant Selling Leaders, strengthening leadership capabilities within the team.
- Recognized as NM Best 2016
- Promoted to Assistant General Manager on store opening team.
Selling Manager
Neiman Marcus
Austin, Texas
08.2014 - 10.2015
- Recruited and trained selling team, improving performance to meet company standards.
- Increased department sales by implementing targeted product merchandising strategies.
- Leveraged tools to build customer relationships, contributing to overall sales growth.
Freelance Adventurer
Ourjolleigh
, worldwide
01.2012 - 08.2014
- Explored local cultures across 49 countries, gaining valuable insights into global perspectives.
- Adapted to diverse environments, enhancing flexibility and cultural awareness.
- Developed strong communication skills through interactions with various cross-cultural backgrounds.
Department Manager
Neiman Marcus
Austin, Texas
12.2006 - 12.2011
- Recruited, trained, and managed selling associates as part of opening team.
- Achieved sales targets while exceeding company customer expectations.
- Awarded Department of the Year and Selling Manager of the Year honors.
Education
BBA - Travel And Tourism
Bournemouth University ( Was Dorset Institute)
Bournemouth, United Kingdom05-1989
Skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Customer obsession
- Visual proposition development
- Business ownership mentality
- Cross-functional collaboration
- P&L management
- Operational efficiency
- Motivate and Inspire team
- Recruitment and training
- Coaching for success
- Agile merchandising
- Strategic planning
Timeline
Vice President General Manager
Neiman Marcus
01.2024 - Current
Vice President General Manager
Neiman Marcus
03.2020 - 01.2024
Vice President General Manager
Neiman Marcus
08.2018 - 03.2020
Assistant General Manager
Neiman Marcus
10.2017 - 08.2018
Assistant General Manager
Neiman Marcus
10.2015 - 10.2017
Selling Manager
Neiman Marcus
08.2014 - 10.2015
Freelance Adventurer
Ourjolleigh
01.2012 - 08.2014
Department Manager
Neiman Marcus
12.2006 - 12.2011
BBA - Travel And Tourism
Bournemouth University ( Was Dorset Institute)