INTRODUCTION. The Moodie Davitt Report brings you the latest instalment in our popular new series Ten Easy Pieces*, in which we get up close and personal with leading industry personalities in travel retail via ten questions.
In this edition we meet Furla Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday, industry veteran and international nomad.
1. Where were you born and raised?
I was born in the lovely city of Norwich, Norfolk (UK) and went to school and college in the same city where I achieved 10 ‘O’ levels and 1 ‘A’ level – all with good grades I’d like to add.
2. What of your early dreams? How would you describe your teenage years? And what sparked your interest in fashion?
Teenage years were filled with excitement and joy, lots of travelling. I was the same as many teenagers during those years, always wearing what was in fashion at the time.
My dream from a little girl was always to be a paediatric nurse. But after doing some work in a children’s hospital during the school holidays I realised very quickly that I was not cut out for this type of work. I knew I would get too involved and would be useless as I would not be able to distance myself from the emotional side of things, so I had to rethink my total career.
3. How did you become involved in the wider travel industry?
I started my career in a local travel agency by chance, a connection through my mother. I then moved to a local tour operator Anglia Holidays and the airline Air Anglia based at Norwich Airport. Then I moved to KLM where I flew for ten years long haul before returning to the travel industry.
I was then headhunted to join Bally and that is where my career path into travel retail began after also spending time within the domestic side of their business.
During this time I also helped set up the Travel and Tourist Industry Diploma Course at the Norwich City College, which I understand became very successful and is still going today.
4. You joined Bally in 1986 and stayed for 20 years. Two decades at one company during a time of great changes in travel retail. What moments stand out?
We were challenged to introduce new business to Bally. I came up with the idea of uniform shoes for airlines. You had to formulate the idea into a business within six months, which I did, supplying British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Virgin Atlantic with shoes for the crews and won the ‘Bally Business Award’.
5. And after Bally?
When I left Bally, I just didn’t know what to do as I had spent so any years there and did not want to go out of the industry. So I started my own company Just Accessories. That was mainly consultancy and only lasted around six months before I was headhunted to join [German luxury fashion house] MCM to launch the brand into travel retail.
6. After MCM you moved to Furla. What drew you there and how important are its family origins to you?
I was headhunted to join Furla with an exciting new challenge to launch the brand in a serious way into travel retail. This is where my career took the most exciting path and challenges and to be given this great opportunity by Mrs Furlanetto and the then-CEO, Mr Poletto, was an honour.
Furla has true heritage, truly cares about its people in every way as if they were part of the family. This is what makes Furla different; it is a family company with true global vision.
Each employee feels valued and trusted; what more can one ask?
7. You have been with Furla for five years now. In that time the brand has flourished in travel retail, opening new doors at an impressive rate. Let’s consider that rapid expansion. Is there a Furla or Gerry Munday limit?
When I joined five years ago, we had 30 locations globally in travel retail. We now have 255. This is not down to one person; this has happened because of the vision of the company and the huge investment made in all aspects of the business and the people. This is what makes Furla so special.
I count myself extremely lucky in having such a supportive company behind me and such a great team to work with.
For sure, there is no limit to where Furla will go in the future.
8. Let’s look at your involvement in Women in Travel Retail. What are your thoughts on the role of women in travel retail in general and the importance of this association?
A few years ago there were more men in travel retail; we are now seeing more and more women join this great industry in all aspects and at higher levels.
Women in Travel Retail is extremely important for all its members. As you know, the initial aim was to join women together when they travelled so that they could connect and interact and this has become very successful.
This led on to fundraising for charity, which has become an important annual event in Cannes and is equally as successful. We have managed to raise literally thousands and thousands of Euros for well-deserved charities where we can make a substantial difference. We must also remember that we could not have achieved this without the generosity of the industry. Without their donations of gifts and money it would have been very difficult, impossible really, and we hope that they will continue to support us so we can make a difference.
9. You were born in the UK, speak German, live in Spain and work for an Italian company. How do you describe yourself and where do you consider home?
Most people would say I am a nomad, but I would describe myself as international. I have been very fortunate to have had all these opportunities and been exposed to all these cultures, which make life’s experiences all the richer.
I am now back living in the UK and regardless of where I am, will always consider England as my home.
10. Let’s finish on two of your other passions: reading and cooking. What books and what dishes?
On the reading front, only when on holiday in total relaxation and the next book will definitely be ‘Throw Me a Smile’ [pictured below; written by Colleen Morgan about her daughter Lucy’s battle with a rare childhood cancer -Ed].
Cooking, well that’s a question. There isn’t really a favourite, but, if I had to choose, then it would probably be Italian, followed by Asian and then other European dishes.
*PREVIOUSLY FEATURED IN TEN EASY PIECES
Meet Genie-S Vice President Ralph Bou Nader
Meet Daniel Wellington Founder Filip Tysander
Meet Tumi’s Fernando Ciccarelli
