Content Curators 2022-2023
STUDENTS CURATORS: ESCP & HEC Paris
Annika Bautista
HEC Paris
Growing up, I had an obsession with storytelling. From spending my childhood writing essays about the world around us to devoting my high school years to competitive debating, I have always been passionate about discovering new insights no matter the topic and sharing them with everyone I meet.
Since then, I’ve represented my home country, the Philippines, twice in international competitions, L’Oréal Brandstorm in Paris and Maybank Go Ahead Challenge in Kuala Lumpur, where I was able to make friends from all over the world and where I was able to learn completely new stories — those different from my own. Through these opportunities, I’ve learned firsthand about the power of diversity in shaping our global future. I then became a Junior Product Manager for L’Oréal.
For three years, I discovered their story of beauty, and I was also able to work with regional and global teams to bring to life brand strategies and innovations that stayed true to insights on our consumers. I also became interested in the way that social media creates a spectrum of narratives all at once, so I decided to become a social media manager for several brands to truly understand the culture.
Now, as a Masters in Management student at HEC Paris, I’m learning about how to tell stories with data and how to change narratives with the power of product innovations. In my spare time, I still think about storytelling with my creative pursuits, such as taking photos with my point-and-shoot camera.
Farah Houari
ESCP Business School
Being Franco-Algerian, and having later lived in various countries such as the UK and Spain allowed me to relentlessly question my environment, be curious of others and be open to challenge my cultural bias. I am passionate about understanding how people interact with each other, why they do what they do and what inspires them. I have worked professionally as an actor and I particularly enjoyed putting myself in other people’s shoes, exploring the prism through which they see the world as well as working creatively and collaboratively towards a common goal.
I am currently an MBA Candidate at ESCP, studying in two different European countries. Led by a strong belief in the power of both community and story-telling, I have previously graduated from a bachelor’s degree in Politics, European Studies from King’s College London and an MFA in Professional Acting from LAMDA. The duality of my analytical thinking along with my artistic creativity has allowed me to explore different paths in my career, constantly enriching me with new perspectives while meeting people from different horizons along the way. For the past four years, I have worked as a communication consultant to leaders in both the private and public sectors supporting disruptive projects with a positive impact on society.
I am ecstatic to be joining the Turning Points Chair. The Observatory is an enlightening opportunity to observe, explore and reflect on the stakes that Gen Z faces today and the plurality of its voices. I strongly believe in the power of this generation to challenge, disrupt and redefine our society and that is why I wanted to become an active member of this research. I very much look forward to collaborating with my fellow curators and being transformed thanks to enthralling interactions!
Takayoshi Tokai
HEC Paris
I am Takayoshi Tokai and I am a first year master student at HEC Paris. I am Japanese with Taiwanese origins, and I have lived in Taiwan, Japan, Italy, and France. The many different experiences I have enjoyed in these diverse cultures, along with my training in Sociology and Economics, have imbued me with a passion to discover and analyze the effects of intercultural interaction and the development of trends in culture.
I would like to investigate and explore the perspectives and philosophies of the diverse groups and individuals who make up Generation Z. I can’t wait to be a part of and contribute to the Cartier-ESCP-HEC Paris Gen Z Observatory!
Yeonoo Kim
HEC Paris
Spending childhood days in Seoul, Boston, and Paris, I enjoyed experiencing different cultures and lifestyles. What I loved the most was realizing that no matter where one is from, we all share a common value of “love” in our life.
Since then, I have been interested in capturing moments of life and sharing them with others. Photography, article writing, and videography have been my long interest and they led me to interesting places throughout my life: I worked at an international organization, became a content creator, and even had a chance to interview famous artists.
I am currently studying at HEC Paris as a Master in Management student and at the same time, as a freelance editor for a fashion media company, writing tri-weekly newsletters on fashion & retail and copywriting.
When I have free time, I love going out to the city and discovering niche places and art galleries.
Nicolas Mas
ESCP Business School
I’m a nineteen-year-old French student currently pursuing a master degree in ESCP Business School, more precisely in pre-Master after two years of classe préparatoire, in order to work in the fashion industry as a consultant.
I find myself to be highly moved by the idea of understanding my peers and capturing through a refined and accurate lens the plurality of existing identities and grids of lectures of the world, especially by way of social interactions, discussions and debates, hence the reason as to why I applied for the Observatory. This purpose led me, for instance, to create an instagram account, in 2019, on which I was able to interact with my 30k followers from all over the world about diverse trendy topics linked to politics, Art, or even celebrities, and which deeply transformed my approach of the world surrounding me, sharpening my wish to discover different cultures and people.
My project to work in the fashion industry also appears to be deeply related to that will to better comprehend beings, as fashion has been playing a major role in structuring the imaginary related to presentation and performance throughout ages, whether when it comes to gender, to self-awareness, to concepts such as beauty and perfection, and eventually to our core characteristics as conscious and minded individuals.
Thus, the opportunity to contribute to the Turning Points Chair is very precious to me, giving me room to analyse and explore a plurality of subjects, topics and visions to fulfil such a purpose. As a member of Gen Z myself, I utterly look forward the shedding light on the new dynamics impulsed by our generation, and by extension our incidence on social structures and paradigmes!
Hanru Yang
ESCP Business School
Born and raised in China, seeking education in France, I am currently a Master in Management student at ESCP, specializing in marketing and consulting.
Prior to ESCP, my professional profile is immersed in marketing and strategies, ranging from internships at the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China to Tesla and PwC. Driven by a huge passion for beauty and luxury, I will start my next internship at L’Oréal. Juggling from industries, these experiences have equipped me with adaptability and know-how to analyze tendencies in different walks of life.
As an admirer of antiques and jewelry, I have attended gemstone and Chinese ceramic appreciation courses and I enjoy watching documentaries before going to museums to have a closer look at these artworks.
Having a profound interest in trends of intercultural and cross-generational changes, as a GenZ myself, I want to explore this socially responsible and mentally honest generation’s feelings, preferences, and status quo, aside from the stereotypes that have been imposed. By joining Cartier - ESCP- HEC Paris Gen Z Observatory, I am ready to discover variously-themed research topics, with fellow curators of diverse backgrounds.
Inès le Chatelier
HEC Paris
I’m Inès Le Chatelier and I am a second year HEC Paris student, doing a double-diploma with l’ENS. Indeed, after my classe préparatoire, I spent three years in l’ENS before joining HEC Paris.
During these years, I had the opportunity to travel a lot, discover many cultures and meet tons of wonderful people. I had the opportunity to work in several press services in French embassies across the world, handling their social media and communication strategies. To me, understanding the challenges my generation faces and the aspirations we share, is crucial, no only to developing efficient and targeted communication strategies, but also to better assert the world we live in.
I’m extremely proud of being part of the Gen Z Observatory team and hope our work will prove useful to many!
Cartier Curators: Worldwide
Alexandre Poka
Cartier
My name is Alexandre Poka, I am from Paris, and I joined Cartier International as a Business Analyst within the Watchmaking Marketing department in 2021. I am responsible for sales reporting as well as consolidating the overall business performance of the Watchmaking segment of Cartier at worldwide level.
Prior to that, I worked in strategy consulting within the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) for 2 years, tackling various industries from Beauty to Electrical Engineering through Private Equity.
I am coming from a dual academic background. First, as an engineering graduate from École Polytechnique (X) followed by an MSc. in Strategic Management at HEC Paris. This complementarity of education helped me develop a practical and analytical mindset.
I am passionate about the Luxury industry and its wide range of implications: economic, innovative, or social. The synergy between aesthetic creativity and business development found in this field is something that I find fascinating. Besides that, I enjoy challenging myself through gym and language-learning.
Alisha Naru
Cartier
Originally from India, I moved to the United States 11 years ago to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Jewelry & Metalsmithing from the Rhode Island School of Design.
Upon graduating, my roles led me to direct product strategy and development for IDD USA, a jewelry wholesaler catering to independent retailers. I later worked on business strategy consulting roles for Tiary, a direct-to-consumer jewelry startup, as well as Pandora, Perry Ellis and the Fifth Avenue Association.
My interest in the Fashion & Luxury space was fueled by my love for jewelry and eventually led me to graduate school where I received an MBA from NYU’s Stern School of Business, specializing in Fashion & Luxury, Marketing and Business Analytics.
I joined Cartier 9 months ago as Project Manager and Business Strategist at the Brooklyn Retail Innovation Lab in North America. I currently lead project research, interviews and insights gathering for all Lab projects, as well as oversee the design and facilitation of Lab workshops and boutique prototype planning.
On a personal level I have an interest in behavioral psychology and how it impacts social dynamics in society (I did a Psychology concentration in Undergrad). I would describe myself as a compassionate team player and deep thinker. I am excited to be part of such a diverse community and look forward to getting to know my international peers!
Benjamin Etienne
Cartier
My name is Benjamin, and I currently work as Head of Data Science and Analytics at Cartier. I joined 4 years ago after spending 5 years in Paris working in consulting firms and in a startup, for different industries such as automotive, energy and accessibility for deaf people.
I didn’t know a lot about luxury before joining Cartier but I got hooked by this whole new world of opportunities for data use cases : from imagining new retail experiences to optimizing the supply chain, we cover a wide range of topics in my team by applying state-of-the-art algorithms to enhance client experience and allow our colleagues to take better and faster decisions.
People often think that data and AI are recent while in fact they are not: what is recent though is our capability to exploit these data in order to drive the business. Though profiles inside my team are very diverse they all require the same dual skills: to be technically proficient as well as being good communicators. I guess that’s what makes our jobs so fascinating : we can read and write algorithms developed by Google or Facebook, and in the meantime explain them in layman terms to non-technical audiences.
When outside of the office, you might see me riding my bike in the Swiss alps or playing the guitar, or even reading a novel with a glass of Scotch next to me. Because data and literature are, in the end, both about how to tell stories.
Cassie Ge
Cartier
I’m Cassie Ge from Shanghai Office in China. I joined Cartier for almost two years in watch specialist team being responsible for an e-commerce related project.
My college major was fabric design, and I had several internships in fashion companies, including fast fashion, high end concept boutiques, and traditional luxury brands. That’s the beginning of my career.
In my leisure time, I enjoy dancing and tennis. I’m also running a small on-line vintage shop during weekend days, this is my hobby and I have continue doing this for five years. By now I have gathered a group of loyal customers.
I have traveled in many small, third-tier cities in China during business trip within Cartier wholesale channel. Getting to explore the consumption habit and cultural differences among these cities, as well as the business trending of watch and jewelry in those small cities. I believe each of us have our own special findings in work.
César Imbert
Cartier
I graduated from the École du Louvre in 2015 where I studied art history and museum studies with an emphasis on the history of fashion.
My interest in the history of dress and textiles was further nurtured after a year at the University of Glasgow as a student within the Dress and Textile Histories Masters. My publications span from a contribution to the peer-reviewed journal Indumenta to an essay in the Musée des Arts décoratifs’ catalogue Tenue Correcte Exigée: quand le vêtement fait scandale.
I am currently working as an Archives and Documentation Project Coordinator for the French jewellery house Cartier where I’m expanding the field of my research to the history of jewellery.
Christy Chan
Cartier
I have been working at Cartier since 2019 as the Assistant Client Relation Manager for Cartier Hong Kong & Macau. My area of responsibility is on Client Activations, looking after communication and interactions that are push to clients at different stage of their journey. Prior to Cartier, I started my career in Retail Marketing for a British fashion brand and supported Asia business development. Then transitioned to CRM, working for travel retail sector. My responsibilities was global loyalty program operation and client treatments.
On a more personal note, I enjoy exploring new restaurants and cafes in my spare time and documenting my discovery in the form of video contents on social media. This is also a reason why I am excited to join the Gen Z Observatory to collaborate with different curators from around the world to stay ahead of the trend.
Ekaterina Safonova
Cartier
My name is Ekaterina Safonova. I joined Cartier team as a Commercial Operations Coordinator at Cartier Russia and CIS a year ago. Before joining Maison I graduated from Glion Institute of Higher Education in International Hospitality Business Program. Throughout the whole period of studies I had a chance to live in Switzerland and England which gave me the opportunity to experience the culture of these wonderful places.
In my current role I am responsible for insuring the operational excellence in all commercial channels providing all sorts of support for both Russia and CIS markets which include Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia.
I am very proud and happy to join The Gen Z Observatory. It is essential to understand values, habits as well as needs and wants of the Generation Z in order to build a strong and beneficial interaction. Therefore, I am sure this project will give me an amazing opportunity to broaden the knowledge about Gen Z. Moreover, being a Zoomer myself, I am absolutely open to share insights and visions from my generation.
To support my high interest in different cultures, I enjoy devoting time to reading, cooking and continually advancing English and French languages.
I am very excited to meet all members of GenZ Observatory and looking forward to our thoughtful cooperation!”
Kaoutar Belhaj
Cartier
My name is Kaoutar Belhaj, I'm from Morocco. I've had the great pleasure to join Cartier manufacturing in the beginning of 2022 as a transformation project manager. My mission is mainly to help make Cartier's new jewelry development methods, processes and management tools more efficient and powerful. Prior to this, I worked at Christian Dior Couture, Chanel and several notorious fashion brands.
I'm an industrial engineer and I have a master's degree in management and innovation in luxury and fashion industry (The French Institute of Fashion). I have a deep knowledge of fashion and luxury industry where I can understand the different aspects that make the brands very desirable to their customers.
Since a very young age I've always had an increased taste for studying new technologies and their application and impact on the world. I also have a developed entrepreneurial spirit that I like to put into practice very often.
I like to spend my free time with friends and family creating exceptional memories. I also practice fitness sport regularly and love travelling the world.
Haneul Kim
Cartier
My name is Haneul from Korea and I've been working as a CRM Executive here in Cartier Korea since July this year.
While majoring in Business Administration at university, I became interested in Marketing and Luxury industry. After graduation, prior to Cartier, I had built my career at Saint Laurent.
The things I do passionately are experience something new, meet various people, learn what I didn't know before. -Visiting trendy place, Playing tennis, Tasting Wine, etc.
As a CRM executive, I enjoy to analysis the client data and feel happy when client satisfied with our project. Now, I’m looking forward to getting to know you and Gen Z.
Linette Ong
Cartier
Greetings from sunny Singapore!
I am a Product Manager for Leathergoods and Accessories, focused on innovating and accelerating the category in the fast-growing Southeast Asia region. Prior to joining the maison, I spent 4 years honing my skills across various brands in the luxury cosmetics and fragrances industry.
When I am not at work, you will probably catch me enjoying a siesta by the beach. Beyond that, I also enjoy testing the latest beauty and fashion trends from social media, or hunting down a vintage piece to add to my humble collection.
Born in a bridge year, I am a zillennial - part Gen Z, part millennial. With the understanding of both sides, I endeavor to bridge the generational and cultural divide, turning key insights into actionable plans that would prepare us for the world tomorrow.
Manami Odate
Cartier
I am from Tokyo and re-settled here since joining Cartier Japan in 2018. I started my career as a hybrid coordinator of e-commerce operation and digital services, and now the digital project manager in a newly created team called Digital Innovation.
Growing up, I moved back and forth between Tokyo and Singapore until the completion of my IB. Then, I moved to Switzerland to study Hospitality Management specialized in Finance and Real Estate, where I had the opportunity to study as well as to work in different cities; Dubai, London and Miami for internship and exchange programs.
As you could tell from my background, I love to explore new places with particular interests in arts, architectures and nature. The recent trip to Oman was perfect as it ticked all the boxes for me. The beautiful decoration in mosques to picturesque deserts and oasis. I also got to re-discover my country during covid-19, and if you share similar interests as me, Japan is highly recommended too!
Rodrigo Mariani
Cartier
I am Rodrigo Mariani. I am a brand ambassador at the Latin American Client Relations Center in Miami. Firstly, I'm thrilled to participate in an innovative global project with Cartier, ESCP, and HEC Paris.
My career is multifaceted. I am a lawyer with a postgraduate degree in international law –Specialist from the Catholic University of São Paulo, PUC-SP. Before obtaining a law degree, I worked as an ESOL teacher. After passing the Brazilian Bar Exam, I defended clients, primarily in Brand Reputation Lawsuits. I also worked with social media in PR and CS roles. In the US, I transitioned to retailing at Macy's, Apple, and, fortunately, Cartier, always in trilingual customercentered positions.
At Cartier Client Relation Center, we're accountable for providing excellent service through social media, phone, and email to all clients. To do so, we study their shopping behavior and motives. We educate clients about our brand and celebrate uniqueness and timelessness through storytelling. I believe is part of Cartier identity to find beauty in the diversity and complexity of cultures and nature throughout the world; We also explores ways to communicate with different generations for this reason.
Before Sao Paulo became my second home, I was born in a capital in Brazil's Amazon region. I used to enjoy bicycling through the parks while listening to a self-curated playlist and admiring nature. This hobby always left me in awe of the Amazon's biodiversity. It's amazing how unique nature is as an organic system with exotic fruits, animals, and lovely trees’ design. We employ biomimicry in technology and even art for a reason. Every generation absorbs, transforms, and creates innovations that improve business fields and are signs of human progress.
I think Cartier has a similar philosophy ingrained in its heritage and ideals. I’m fascinated by the fact that our pioneer Santos Watch is a work that mixes the flourishing Industrial Time in Paris and allusions to the Brazilian Aviator Santos Dumont into a remarkable masterpiece.
After the pandemic, we're on the cusp of a new age; with established technology, we're exploring digital payments, new consumer methods and trends. Gen Z will dominate many markets in a few years; they embrace new types of consumption, have high civic consciousness, and are vital to our future. That's a fascinating social phenomenon, and Cartier, regardless of the decade or generation, knows how to keep celebrating uniqueness splendidly. I'm eager to learn more about Gen Z through this great team project!