Employee Spotlight - Jo Pantling, Personal Assistant to Executive Director

"I joined the Watches of Switzerland Group in July 2008 as a Claims Consultant in Hallmark. This was a completely new role for me, I worked in promotions and tv extra work prior to joining (I was a regular on Doctors and even spoke on one episode!).

I started my journey in Hallmark as a Claims Consultant, then I had the opportunity to step into the High-Net-Worth Team dealing with high value claims & confidential matters. After 7 years with Hallmark I applied to become a HR Assistant in the People Team. I had no experience in HR previously, however I knew that I had a passion for supporting people within the business and I could work in a fast-paced environment dealing with confidential matters. I really enjoyed this role and loved speaking to retail and support colleagues on a daily basis.

Following another successful 7 years with WoSG in the People Team, I built some great working relationships with many colleagues within retail and support. But I had always had interest in becoming a personal assistant, I just wasn’t sure how to make the next step.

It wasn’t until a temporary MAT cover position became available within the business as Heath Waller’s (Retail Director for Goldsmiths & UK Operations) Personal Assistant that the opportunity came my way…Heath mentioned about me covering his current PA, Stacey Alexander whilst she was on Maternity leave. This was a great opportunity for me because of my interest in becoming a Personal Assistant and this also meant I could gain even more experience within the Watches of Switzerland Group.

Whilst being in this role, I learnt so much about the business and becoming a PA. I am very grateful that Heath gave me an opportunity to learn something new. I have now developed new skills and knowledge of a different side to the business.?

Following Stacey Alexander’s return from Maternity, I am so pleased to say that I am now Eric Macaire’s (Executive Director, Global Buying and Merchandising) Personal Assistant. I am in the early stages of this role; however, I can already see how much more I am going to learn, and I am looking forward to working with the Buying & Merchandising Teams in the UK and US.

If I could tell my 21-year-old self-working in Hallmark, that I would become a Personal Assistant to an Executive Director, Global Buying & Merchandising – I wouldn’t have believed it. But here I am and feeling positive about my WoSG future.

My top tip which was advice given to me was to “have the conversation”, as this is how I got to where I am now.

Get to know people, work hard, enjoy what you do, and you can achieve great things."