You were appointed CEO in February 2024 after a long career as Global Sales Director. Was sales the primary goal for stakeholders?
Sales has always been a vital pillar, but my appointment was about more than just commercial growth. The stakeholders saw an opportunity to align our sales strategy with a deeper brand vision, one rooted in design, craftsmanship and global relevance. My experience in sales gave me a unique understanding of our customers and markets, but my role now is to ensure that every aspect of the business, from product development to brand storytelling, reflects the values that define Cutler and Gross.

After 18 months, how have you changed the company and what’s the main footprint you’re leaving?
We have redefined what modern luxury eyewear means. My focus has been on elevating our product offering, expanding our global footprint, and streamlining operations. The launch of our upcoming Knightsbridge Green titanium collection is a key milestone. It’s a new line of top-tier products that is handcrafted in Japan and reflects our ambition. We’ve also deepened our commitment to collaborations, working with brands like Breitling, Palace Skateboards, and The Great Frog to reach new audiences. My footprint is about building a brand that is bold, design-led and globally agile, all whilst respecting the DNA and legacy of our pioneering founders, Graham Cutler and Tony Gross.

What are your main skills and where have you grown most in the past 18 months?
I like to think I bring a commercial mindset with a deep respect for design. My ability to connect market insights and work closely with our brilliant Creative Director has helped us launch products that resonate globally. Over the past 18 months, I have grown most in product development and operations, understanding the nuances of materials like Japanese titanium, and how to balance artisanal craftsmanship with scalable production. I have also learned how to lead with empathy and vision, especially in a brand with such a rich legacy. We had some supply chain issues last year due to our rapid growth and demand, which we had to address, understanding that handmade production takes time to scale. A big lesson has been patience — perfection cannot be rushed.

Which goals did you achieve faster than expected, and which ones are proving more challenging?
The success of our titanium line exceeded expectations, and the speed we were able to take it to market was impressive. The response to Knightsbridge Green has been phenomenal, especially in markets like the USA and the Middle East. Our collaborations like The Great Frog have also delivered strong brand equity and reach, especially within celebrity circles. The more challenging part has been navigating global logistics and post-Brexit complexities, which we are addressing by opening up more capacity, adding to our distribution capabilities by beginning to ship some products from Ireland in Q4 2025. This will improve delivery timelines and reduce customs friction across the EU and beyond.

Over 55 years of Cutler and Gross—how has the brand stayed true to its DNA, and where has it been revolutionary?
We have always been bold, design-led, and unapologetically British. Our DNA is rooted in craftsmanship, individuality and collaboration. We remain faithful to this legacy through our acetate collections and our commitment to handmade production in Italy. But we have also been revolutionary — and our titanium line is a perfect example. We first introduced titanium in 2001, and now we are bringing it back with renewed purpose, using Japanese titanium and partnering with visionary brands like The Great Frog, Breitling and Palace to push boundaries, continue to innovate and reach new audiences.

How have your customers changed, and how are you adapting to new audiences?
Our core customers still value craftsmanship, design and heritage, but we are seeing a shift toward younger, more diverse audiences. Collaborations like Palace Skateboards have opened doors to streetwear culture, while Breitling connects us with ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Our titanium collection appeals to those with refined taste and a love for technical excellence. We are also expanding in the Middle East, where demand for exclusive, high-end products is growing rapidly.

How are you facing global challenges like geopolitical conflicts, trade wars, and post-pandemic shifts?
Agility is key. We have diversified our supply chain and are investing in more resilient logistics. From Q4 2025, we are adding to our distribution capabilities, working with a new partner to give us more streamlined shipping. This shift will streamline operations, reduce customs complexity, and improve delivery timelines across the EU and global markets. It is also a greener, more strategic move that aligns with our sustainability goals.

How are you managing the effects of Brexit?
Brexit introduced real challenges in terms of customs and delivery delays. Our ability to ship from Italy and Ireland is a direct response—it allows us to maintain seamless access to EU markets while improving operational efficiency. Ireland offers a stable platform for growth and will help us serve our customers better due to Ireland’s close ties to the USA in particular.

Three words to describe Cutler and Gross—and what makes it unique?
Heritage, Innovation, Craft. These are not just words—they are the foundation of everything we do. From our titanium frames handcrafted in Japan, to our acetate collections made in our own factory in Italy, every product is a balance of engineering and expression. What makes us unique is our ability to fuse bold British design with global craftsmanship, creating eyewear that is both timeless and forward-thinking.