Conversations with Changemakers: Asil Attar - International Female Executive ex CEO.
Harveen Gill interviews….
My short monthly interview sessions focus on an individual who is known to me, has a connection to retail and whom I personally admire. In July, I am delighted to shine the spotlight on Asil Attar.
Asil is a dynamic, transformational leader with over 28 years’ experience in the fashion and retail space. With extensive experience gained in the UK, US, Europe and Middle East, Asil has won a number of accolades and recognition for her achievements. In 2019, Forbes ME placed her amongst the Top 50 International CEO’s heading local companies in the GCC, Arabian Business recognised her as one of the 30 most influential Women in the Arab World and one the 100 Influential People help shape the Emirates.
An advocate of social responsibility, Asil has championed a number of causes including female empowerment and driving performance through respect, ethics and values.
Asil’s podcast and digital media talk show host “Turban Thinker” showcases a number of speakers who help challenge and shape the new world of retail.
How did we meet?
It certainly surprised us both to acknowledge that we first met in 2006. At that time Asil had forged a career in footwear and accessories within the luxury and premium sectors, at Harrods, Whistles, Karen Millen and Jigsaw. I met Asil when she was looking for her next exciting challenge.
Share your career journey post 2006.
Wanting a very different experience, Asil joined a start up and relocated to Barcelona. Tecasan was a pioneering venture – the vision was to scout the best global design talent and create a number of brands. Asil was able to utilise her creative passion to secure the best design talent from luxury fashion houses and top fashion colleges. Interviewing 250 Designers led to securing 7 Creatives and helping them build their own brands.
This international move opened Asil’s vision in terms of international retail, and in 2007, Asil relocated to Dubai. Dubai was growing quickly and Asil was able to hone her commercial P & L skills alongside her love for creativity and product at Al Tayer Group. Asil’s’ first appointment as CEO occurred in 2009 – as CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Fashion. Asil was the only female on the board, but believes she was selected on merit and just “got on with the job”. Again a family business, Asil played a pivotal part in the transformation and turnaround of this company. Asil’s expertise across creative / product and the commercial aspects enabled this to happen.
Family life
Asil has 2 children, they had experienced the “glossy” of Dubai, in 2015, Asil decided to relocate back to the UK, to give her children a more balanced life and also to concentrate on her own interests. She launched Lead Associates Ltd and SALT Fashion Ltd, these businesses concentrated on Asil’s commercial and creative expertise, Lead Associates helped brands develop into new territories and SALT Fashion champions and supports local fashion and creative talent.
The Middle East however has not been far from Asil’s focus and given the children had grown up, Asil returned to take up the position of CEO Retail at Alyasra Fashion and more recently Damas Jewellery.
Asil is now firmly settled in the UK and ensures that Turban Thinker, her talk show and podcast is a regular feature on social media, focusing on those in business that are making a social difference, providing motivation and inspiration, and empowering others to realize their ambitions and dreams (and also assisting brands looking to develop internationally).
What / Who has been important to you in your career?
A number of influences have heavily shaped me. Firstly, my parents have influenced my career choices and love of fashion. Their values of social humility and social responsibility are part of who I am. My Mum was the epitome of fashion in the 1950’s – her love of glamour and eye for detail made a large impression. My father was a pioneer in solar energy in the 1970’s, he taught us the importance of the environment, respect for nature and that values direct his every decision, never compromising.
Secondly, Mohamed Al Fayed taught me the magic of retail. He was a showman and created experiences, the famous Harrods sale, where he would invite some of the world’s most famous celebrities to entertain the crowds of shoppers inaugurating the sale, the beautiful Egyptian hall which had hundreds of thousands of tourists come every year to see. I remember Harrods showcasing a cobra in glass box, customers would pay £1 to use the amazing toilets and of course the Harrods Sale was a “must attend” event. He would walk the floor, every day with bagpipes playing in the background, serenaded by musicians and would stop to speaking to the team and customers, engaging with his staff, making them feel extra special.
On the other hand, John Robinson, the Founder of Jigsaw taught me the value of treating a team like family and creating fierce loyalty and tenure.
My career experiences from others have also taught me what not to do, I have also learned how I did not want to lead, from others in our sector.
Can you pinpoint the most significant steps in your career?
Every role ensures that you learn. I have a wide set of experiences gained in vertical functions across department stores, mono brand, start up and family businesses. I now operate my own business.
I was born in Iraq and left when I was 2 years old, I have lived in a number of territories, but the UK is home! Every step is a learn.
How do you think our industry will change given the global pandemic?
Human beings will adapt and learn. I believe the priority will be for us to think differently and to act with more responsibility will be at the core of our reset. There is a call for equality across gender and race, a drive for sustainability and visibility end to end from manufacturing to shop floor. Consumers will demand the change and Corporates now have no choice, they need to listen to consumers – they will be in the driving seat and make changes.
What advice would you offer to an individual wanting to secure a retail career?
“If you don’t love what you do, I highly suggest you don’t do it, follow your dream”.
I believe you need a deep passion, the world offers so many possibilities, you need to find what drives you.
Share a Secret.
People believe I am an extrovert introvert, however the truth is very different. I am an introvert away from the business of fashion and choose to live very quietly.
Harveen Gill.
July 2020.
MD, HGA Group.
