Sam Taylor

Global B2B Director at Passenger

United Kingdom

About

Commercial leader with 20 years of experience scaling consumer brands across wholesale, retail and ecommerce channels throughout the UK, Europe and North America. Proven track record of building high-performing teams, developing strategic retail partnerships, expanding into new markets and delivering accelerated revenue growth. Combines strong commercial acumen with expertise in forecasting, assortment planning, channel strategy and cross-functional leadership. Currently leading Passenger's global wholesale business, having grown revenue from £1m to £5.7m, expanded the team from 2 to 10 people and established strategic partnerships with leading retailers across key international markets. CORE EXPERTISE • Wholesale & Retail Partnerships • Team Leadership & Development • Market Expansion & New Business Development • Strategic Account Management • Commercial Leadership • Forecasting & Inventory Planning • Assortment & Channel Strategy • International Growth • Negotiation & Contract Management • Cross-Functional Leadership • Consumer Products & Brand Building

Experience

  • Global B2B Director at Passenger
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Responsible for global wholesale strategy, commercial performance, retailer partnerships and international expansion across Europe and North America. Key achievements: • Grew wholesale revenue from approximately £1m to £5.7m, with a trajectory towards £7m+ • Built and scaled the B2B organisation from 2 to 10 team members • Developed strategic relationships with key retailers including JD Outdoor, Globetrotter, Bergfreunde, Blue Tomato, John Lewis and M&S. • Established a US market entry strategy, generating a $1m+ pipeline with national accounts including REI and Backcountry • Implemented new forecasting and purchasing processes to support rapid channel growth whilst improving inventory control • Created alignment between wholesale, DTC, product and marketing teams to maximise commercial opportunities • Led top-to-top retailer relationships and key account negotiations across multiple territories • Introduced enhanced brand presentation standards and wholesale execution frameworks

  • General Manager - Europe at Business & Pleasure Co.
    Sep 2022 - Mar 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Luxottica (4 yrs 9 mos)
    • Head of Sport Channel - North Europe
      Mar 2021 - Sep 2022 · 1 yr 7 mos

    • Business Development Manager Sport - North Europe
      Jan 2019 - Mar 2021 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    • Oakley National Sales Manager Uk & I (Optical & Sport)
      Jan 2018 - Jan 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • Surfdome.com (London, United Kingdom)
    • Ecommerce Buying Manager
      Oct 2016 - Nov 2017 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Menswear, Action sports Hardware and Vertical.

    • Senior Buyer - Head of Action Sports & Outdoor
      Jun 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr 4 mos

    • Action Sports Buyer
      Jun 2014 - Jun 2015 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • On Sabbatical at Myself
    Apr 2014 - May 2014 · 2 mos

    6 week round the world trip