Gill S.

Pioneer
DISC Type : ids

Managing Director at The Perfume Shop

United Kingdom

Overview

Gill S. is the Managing Director of The Perfume Shop, a role she has held since 2014. A chartered accountant with over two decades in the FMCG sector, she previously served as CFO for Superdrug and Savers, and is a graduate of Warwick Business School.

Deeply committed to philanthropy, Gill is a trustee for Look Good Feel Better, supporting cancer patients, and the Jim Jackson Foundation, which helps disadvantaged youth. In her spare time, she enjoys golf, baking, wine tasting, and splits her time between London and Kent with her husband.

Unique fact: Her passion for scent began in the wine industry, where she took expert exams and kept a "smell box" to train her nose.

Personality Overview

Driven But Considerate

Dynamic But Sincere

Friendly But Fast

If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product  They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders) They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed

Topics They Care About

Philanthropic Leadership
Serves as a trustee and board member for multiple charities, including Look Good Feel Better (cancer support) and the Jim Jackson Foundation (youth in business).
Employee Wellbeing
Champions talent development and creating a supportive culture. The Perfume Shop was recently certified as a Top Employer, an ambition she has long held for the company.
Retail Sustainability
Actively working to embed greener thinking into business operations, from supply chain efficiency to in-store energy use, viewing it as a core business priority.

Media Appearances

Scent obsessed: our interview with Gill Smith (MD of The Perfume Shop) on her five favourite smells. Featured in Perfume Society

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Gill Smith – Profile. Featured in The Fragrance Foundation UK

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Seeds of Change interview: The Perfume Shop MD on building greener thinking within a retailer. Featured in Green Retail World

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Work History

11-2014
Managing Director at The Perfume Shop
8-2018
Board Member at The Fragrance Foundation UK
11-2023
Member Board of Trustees at Look Good Feel Better UK
11-2021
Member Board Of Trustees at Jim Jackson Foundation
2-2015 - 4-2018
Board Member at CEW UK

Education

1985 - 1988
Bachelor of Science - BS from Warwick Business School
Education details unavailable from The Grange School for Girls and Kingsfield 6th form, Bristol

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 10 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Managing Director at The Perfume Shop
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Insights For Selling To Gill

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘your decision will’, ‘you will impact’ etc.
  • Build a trustworthy relationship while keeping the product center-stage
  • Showcase existing customers and use case-studies to grab their attention

DONT's

  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions or pushing them, but take a formal approach
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Gill is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Gill

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Gill move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can Gill take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And Gill

Personality Compatibility


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