Gerrit Jan Vermeulen

International Luxury Goods Executive | ex-Cartier, Pandora, Gucci | Wholesale & Retail | P&L Leadership | Retail Expansion & Selective Distribution.

Eindhoven, North Brabant, Netherlands

About

Commercial & Managing Director with over 30 years of international experience in the luxury goods industry, combining strategic vision with hands-on execution. I have led and scaled brands during pivotal growth phases, transforming distribution models, strengthening brand desirability and delivering sustainable P&L growth. Have held senior leadership roles at Cartier (14 years), Gucci (5 years) and Pandora (4 years), as well as entrepreneurial and interim positions. These brands were not yet iconic when I joined; their success was driven by strong concepts, disciplined distribution and an uncompromising focus on service, omnichannel strategy and marketing — principles I still lead by today. My signature: building profitable growth without brand erosion. What I bring: Full P&L responsibility in complex, international environments Deep expertise in Selective Distribution & POS optimisation Integration of Wholesale and Retail models Scaling businesses across B2B & B2C, including e-commerce Leadership of large, multicultural teams and senior stakeholders Proven impact: Reduced POS networks while increasing turnover and brand desirability Transformed wholesale-driven models into profitable direct retail structures Delivered double-digit turnover and EBIT(A) growth Expanded international distribution to 25+ countries Built and restructured organisations to support long-term growth Currently open to a senior permanent role or interim assignments where experience, decisiveness and execution power are required — particularly in luxury, premium or founder-led businesses preparing for their next growth phase.

Experience

  • Company Owner at Vintage Tank Watches
    Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 6 mos

    Founded an online retailer specializing in pre-owned and vintage Cartier watches, exclusively for women. Identified a market gap, realised rating 4.9/ 5.0 and 99% recommendation

  • Interim Manager | Selective Distribution Specialist | Wholesale & Retail| at Vermeulen Luxury Consult
    Sep 2013 - Present · 12 yrs 10 mos

  • Global Sales & Marketing Director at Buddha to Buddha
    2018 - Jan 2021 · 3 yrs 1 mo

    Full P&L responsibility, reporting directly to shareholders. Reduced Dutch POS by 20% while increasing online share to 30%. Expanded exports to 25 countries via distributors and agents. Launched the 18-carat Gold Line and secured high-profile brand ambassadors. Delivered double-digit turnover and EBITA growth.

  • Country Manager & Head of Stores at Siebel Juweliers
    Jun 2016 - Jul 2017 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Full responsibility for 46 stores (350 employees, 6 direct reports) Developed a rollout plan for 12 new stores within 12 months Achieved 22% like-for-like sales growth and doubled online sales Restructured retail and HQ teams, prioritizing sales & marketing Strengthened digital transformation and social media engagement

  • Managing Director Netherlands at Pandora jewelry
    Dec 2009 - Aug 2013 · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Held full P&L responsibility for a 100 FTE organisation. Repositioned Pandora as ‘affordable luxury’, introducing new product categories. Opened 20 Concept Stores and 5 shop-in-shops at De Bijenkorf. Transformed distribution from 100% wholesale to 80% direct retail / 20% wholesale. Increased brand awareness from 51% to 69% and built a digital community of 100,000+ followers. Achieved 10% market share in the Netherlands (2nd highest turnover per capita globally).