JAMES HOWLEY, INNOVATE AND LEAD WINNER

Tell us about your career to date with the Brown Thomas Group
I work as a graphic designer in the Marketing department. I started in 2012 as an intern and was made permanent some months later. My role mainly involves collaborating with the Marketing team on visualizing strategy; usually from conception through to production. This could be anything from creating promotional and advertising campaigns, to event identities, to designing visual collateral for customer communications.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I think working in an environment that puts a strong emphasis on how it presents itself visually is the most appealing (and most challenging) thing for me. Also working in a role where technologies are constantly evolving and changing; and learning to adapt to these changes; is something I find interesting and enjoyable.

Why do you think you won this particular People Values award?
I was very surprised to win, to be honest. I suppose in terms of innovation, I always try to look at things from a different perspective and to attempt make the current job better than the last one, however I am not always successful in this! When it comes to retail marketing there are many challenges with seasonal projects, such as Christmas, but its learning to approach these from a different angle that can make them feel unique and fresh.

What advice would you give to anyone considering a career with the Brown Thomas Group?
I think an important thing to remember is that the maintenance of Brown Thomas as a luxury retail destination isn’t just confined to any one particular skillset or zone of interest. There are so many diverse roles within the company that contribute to providing this experience that regardless of your expertise there are lots of interesting opportunities. Obviously, if retail or fashion is something you’re passionate about then working with Brown Thomas is experience you just won’t get anywhere else.

What would you say is your greatest achievement whilst working here?
I don’t think there is any one thing and I don’t put much stock into singular achievements in any case. I think acquiring new skills and knowledge through a working process is ultimately the most beneficial and satisfying aspect for me personally.