Dany Besson

Head of Sales & Deputy Store Director | Fashion & Department Store | Sales Growth | Team Leadership (100+) | Customer Experience

Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

About

I bring over 20 years of experience in fashion and department store environments across Switzerland and Canada. I am currently Head of Sales & Deputy Store Director at Globus Geneva, where I am responsible for all fashion departments across 4,000 m² and lead multidisciplinary teams of up to 100 employees. I have developed a strong track record in driving sales performance and operational excellence, consistently delivering Non‑Food growth over the past decade through close collaboration with Buying and a clear focus on team coaching and customer satisfaction. My expertise covers end‑to‑end retail operations, including sales performance monitoring, KPI and CRM analysis, merchandising, cost control and customer experience. I am particularly committed to developing high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative work environment, and ensuring alignment between execution, brand identity and business objectives. I also contribute to store strategy and customer engagement initiatives, including the organization of seasonal fashion shows and targeted CRM-driven client events. I am fluent in French and English and bring an international background with experience in dynamic, customer‑centric retail environments.

Experience

  • GLOBUS (Geneva, Switzerland)
    • Head of Sales & Deputy Store Director
      Jul 2022 - Present · 4 yrs

      ● Lead all fashion sectors of the store (men, women, shoes, children) across 4'000m², in addition to deputy store director responsibilities ● Represent the Store Director and ensure full operational continuity during absences ● Oversee end‑to‑end sales operations, including commercial execution and in‑store deployment ● Drive sales development and performance monitoring across all fashion departments ● Analyze sales results and adjust assortments and floor layouts based on performance indicators ● Contribute actively to commercial and strategic meetings with Head Office ● Supervise and coach multidisciplinary teams of up to 100 employees 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 ● Delivered continuous Non‑Food sales growth (+2% to +10% per year, depending on sector) over the last 10 years through close collaboration with Buying and strong sales team coaching ● Led the communication and organization of seasonal fashion shows since 2022, significantly strengthening Globus Geneva’s reputation in fashion and style over the past 4 years ● Achieved sustainable staff cost reduction over 5 years by increasing team polyvalence across departments

    • Sales Manager - Menswear Floor
      Apr 2016 - Jun 2022 · 6 yrs 3 mos

      ● Held full responsibility for the menswear sales floor across 1,800 m² ● Managed team performance, daily operations, visual merchandising and staff cost control ● Monitored sales results and implemented corrective actions to optimize performance ● Collaborated closely with Buying and internal partners to align assortments and commercial strategy

  • Store Manager at American Eagle Outfitters Factory
    Aug 2014 - Mar 2016 · 1 yr 8 mos

    ● Defined and executed commercial strategy leading to sustained sales growth (+CAD 8 million) ● Recruited, trained and led a high‑performing team of 60+ employees ● Established a strong culture of collaboration and engagement

  • Store manager Flag Ship Store at Mark's
    Nov 1999 - Jul 2014 · 14 yrs 9 mos