Employee Spotlight: Meet émeline Wilson

In this employee spotlight, we’re talking to our Group Marketing Manager, émeline Wilson to find out what led to her career at Alcon.

When did you join Alcon?

Since leaving university 14 years ago, I’ve worked in a variety of marketing and events roles for agencies and automotive brands. I joined Alcon 8 years ago, on Christmas Eve of 2016.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a Master’s degree in Marketing and Events, as well as the French equivalent to a BA (Hons) Primary Education. I was teaching at an international school in Cairo before realising Marketing was my true vocation. ?

What / who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

To her surprise, it was my mother who inspired me to choose this career. Her taste in cars is impeccable - she once owned a Lancia Delta Integrale, a car I wish was still in the family (imagine pulling up to the office in that!). We would walk together along La Croisette in Cannes, where we'd look at the latest supercars parked up. I was hooked and knew I wanted to be part of that world, somehow.

Blending my love for exotic cars with Marketing and Events felt like a natural fit. I love planning and being creative; coming up with ideas and watching them flourish into great campaigns or events.

The start of my career revolved essentially around supercars and hypercars, but joining Alcon broadened my horizons to include Motorsport, OEM, and Special Vehicles.

What does a typical day involve?

There’s no such thing as a typical day for a Marketing Manager, and that’s exactly what I love about this job. The variety keeps it exciting. One day, I might be travelling across the world to set up an exhibition stand; the next, I could be visiting agencies, working with editors, arranging photoshoots, launching a new website... It’s a role that keeps you on your toes!

I work closely with both the commercial and engineering teams, overseeing all aspects of marketing operations. This includes brand and design, product launches, partnership strategy and activation, digital marketing, hospitality and events, communications, our brand ambassador programme, and all marketing-related projects and assets.

My job is to ensure that everything we do as a brand is executed to the highest standard, ensuring consistent delivery across the whole Group, which consists of three companies — Alcon Components Ltd in Tamworth, UK; Alcon Precision Engineering Ltd in Northampton, UK; and Pro-System in North Carolina, USA.

What makes Alcon a special place to work at?

Alcon has left its mark on every major motorsport discipline, helping teams secure national, international, and World Championship titles across the globe. The pioneering spirit, ambition, and commitment to quality instilled by our founder, John Moore, remain as strong as ever. We just celebrated our 40th birthday in style, paying tribute to the past of course, but with our focus firmly locked on the future. Alcon comes with an exceptional pedigree and I count myself fortunate to be working amongst very inspirational people.

What are some achievements you’re proud of both within work and personal success?

One of the highlights for me is working on awards applications. It's incredibly gratifying to have our spectacular growth and innovative spirit recognised. Our team works tirelessly all year around, and I make it a priority to ensure that our efforts are acknowledged within the industry, both as a company and as individuals. We've won the MIA Business of the Year Award, the Most Innovative Product in Motorsport Award at the 2023 World Motorsport Symposium for our SMART Insert piston and were finalists for The Manufacturer MX Award in the International Trade category this year.

On a personal level, one of my fondest memories was competing in Time Attack, something I never imagined I’d have the chance to do. The opportunity came up through work; the main objective was increasing awareness and creating more opportunities for women in motorsport. My limited experience consisted mainly of driving supercars on public roads, I had never driven on a track before. I knew it would be a challenge, but I jumped at the chance and signed up, fully supported by the entire team at Alcon. I went out in my first ever competitive event as the only female in the driver line-up and came home with a podium finish.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Roller-skating has a big place in my life. I started skating in 2020, when I was in search of a hobby to fill up the never-ending socially-distant blursdays. Freestyle skating became my thing, the sweet glide of smooth concrete. Dropping from a steep ramp with 8 wheels attached to my feet… what could possibly go wrong! Somehow, I find it relaxing. I also took up longboarding recently. So far, so good :)

What advice would you give to someone who just started a career in Marketing?

Marketing humbles even the most seasoned professionals. Staying relevant is crucial in any industry, but it's especially vital in marketing. Take ownership of your own growth by attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and reading case studies to stay abreast of the latest trends. Personally, I always keep an eye on my favourite brands across all social media platforms—staying inspired is essential to success in that field. Networking is crucial too. Get out there, connect with others, and build a network of key people you can exchange ideas with.

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