"Being a Vanitian is like operating your own business within a business", Alex Lumbera reflects on his eight year growth with VANITY GROUP

From a 23 year old Marketing Assistant in Shanghai to a General Manager in London, it’s a career trajectory worthy of stand up applause. As he officially commences his latest role, General Manager – UK, Europe and Americas, Alex Lumbera reminisces on his career to date – and the mentorship that supported his growth.

When I joined VANITY GROUP almost a decade ago, I was a fresh faced graduate TV producer. I wanted a career change that brought stability, culture and a fast paced challenge. A friend of mine was setting up the VANITY GROUP office in Shanghai and asked if I wanted to join the team. Little did I know the adventure that was about to unfold!

We were a small, but nimble team and I quickly transitioned into account management. I’d never seen a company grow so quickly (it’s something that still shocks me today – ha!) and I remember the first global contract we won based in Singapore. After a couple of years in Shanghai, I relocated to Sydney as Key Account Manager for Asia before soon adding Europe and America to my remit, along with the title of Global Key Account Director.

I loved building a team all around the world and the travel that was afforded to me.

From New York to Barcelona, Bangkok to Paris – I wouldn’t trade the experiences of visiting the KARL LAGERFELD Maison in Paris or eating cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery in Central Park with anything in the world!

Working global is exciting. But it does come with personal sacrifice. Sydney, whilst beautiful was on the opposite time zone to my regions and core team – meaning early mornings and late night calls.

Moving into the role of General Manager of UK, Europe and Americas meant a sea change as well… All the way to London! I’m currently penning this from our brand new office in Tower Bridge, sitting alongside some of the brightest brains imaginable. If you told me this is where I’d be eight years ago, I would have laughed!

My mentor since day one has been our CEO & Founder, Paul Tsalikis. He’s often believed in me more than I believed in myself.

He’s always pushed me beyond my comfort zone and encouraged a limitless mentality. He’s my biggest cheerleader and if I’m just 1% of the leader he is, I’ll be proud beyond measure.

I feel so grateful to be in London and finding my feet in my new role. It’s incredibly varied and I love being able to solve supply chain challenges one minute and consult on marketing strategy the next. When we launch into a new market, we don’t do it quietly – so I’m looking forward to introducing our VANITY GROUP flair and creativity to the Northern Hemisphere. Being on this side of the world also means infinite face-to-face interactions with our partners – which has always been my favourite part of the job!

If I could give advice to my younger self I’d say think long term, not short term. Slow down, and find beauty in the bumps you experience along the way. They’ll be your favorite learnings on this marathon we call life.

To anybody applying for a role at VANITY GROUP I always tell them to prepare for a crazy, beautiful adventure. No two days (or two hours for that matter!) are the same and there is truly no limit to what you can achieve. Being a Vanitian is like operating your own business within a business,  but with a team of supporters constantly cheering you on. We celebrate the wins and stand united as a team day in, day out.

Your VANITY GROUP family wishes you all the best in your new role and city, Alex!