Baccarat’s CEO Daniela Riccardi shares her secrets to success as a female executive

On Play

Q. What was your first job?

A. After college, I obtained a fellowship in marketing at Yale University in the United States. While I was there, I had an eye-opening experience during an internship at Pepsi. I witnessed the energy and leadership of top management, and the diversity of the organisation, and I knew that was what I aspired to do. When I returned to Italy, I applied to a number of multinational companies. Procter & Gamble was the first to answer and I spent 25 amazing years with assignments in numerous senior operating roles. 

Q. If you couldn’t have your present job, what would you want to do instead?

A. I have never thought about it, but I would probably be working on my personal projects for the future: supporting dance, studying for a Ph.D., teaching branding and strategy, writing [about] my life or creating Maisons de Charme.

Q. Can you share some tips of being a successful female executive? 

A. There are two main things. The first is to never give up on your dreams. If you believe in something, [set yourself free]. Once you know what you want, go ahead and pursue your dream and it will happen. The second tip is to do things your own way. When I started my career, I felt like I needed to dress like a man or behave like a man. I never liked that. But soon I understood that I didn’t [have to do that]. I think we all have to do things our own way and each of us, as individuals, brings diversity.

On Work

Q. How has the luxury clientele evolved in China? 

A. Chinese luxury clients are becoming more sophisticated. They don’t buy luxury products just because they are expensive but because they really appreciate the sophistication and savoir-faire behind. Chinese customers understand what they’re buying and are less interested in buying things that are status [symbols]. [For them], luxury is about] quality and heritage.