Samantha Hunte

Experienced Sales & Retail Leader with over 30 years of international experience across FMCG, luxury retail, premium beauty, tobacco alternatives and wines & spirits. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, managing major retail accounts, delivering in-store activation strategies, and leading high-performing teams. Strong background in account management, visual merchandising, staff development, event execution and commercial performance optimisation.

A results-focused professional with deep expertise in customer engagement, territory management and premium brand representation.

Multi Category Coach - Ted Experience - South Yorkshire

(2024-08)

Promoting and selling IQOS heated tobacco devices, ZYN nicotine pouches and VEEV vape products across major supermarkets and independent convenience retailers in South Yorkshire.

• Drive in-store activation and product education to increase category conversion rates.
• Engage customers through consultative selling and compliance-led conversations.
• Build and maintain retailer relationships and ensure strong POS execution.
• Achieve and exceed weekly sales and lead generation targets across multi-store territories.

Regional Sales Manager (Midlands & The North) - Percy & Reed - Midlands & The North

(2018-04 - 2024-08)

Managed major retail accounts including Marks & Spencer and John Lewis Partnership across multiple regions.

• Led regional account growth strategy, driving consistent sales performance across premium beauty counters.
• Delivered in-store events and product demonstrations to increase customer engagement and revenue.
• Trained retail staff to ensure up-to-date product knowledge and brand alignment.
• Monitored sales performance, merchandising standards and stock compliance across stores.
• Built strong relationships with store managers to secure premium positioning and promotional support.

Concession Manager (Meadowhall Sheffield) - Tom Ford - Meadowhall Sheffield

(2013-09 - 2018-02)

Managed luxury brand concession within a high-footfall retail environment.

• Consistently exceeded monthly sales targets through personalised customer service and product expertise.
• Managed staff rotas, training, stock control and auditing processes.
• Planned and executed in-store promotional events.
• Reported performance metrics to Regional Manager and implemented improvement strategies.

Sales & Visual Merchandiser (South Yorkshire) - Hallmark - South Yorkshire

(2004-06 - 2013-08)

Oversaw 14 retail accounts within the region.

• Managed stock ordering, replenishment and merchandising compliance.
• Optimised visual displays to maximise product sell-through.
• Strengthened retailer relationships to improve shelf presence and promotional execution.

Sales Manager - Stokes & Bynoe - Barbados

(1994 - 2004)

Built and managed a personal client portfolio within the competitive property sales market.

• Achieved strong conversion rates through relationship-based sales approach.
• Contributed to company growth during the expansion phase.

Time Share Sales Manager - Blue Caribe International - Barbados

(1992 - 1994)

Sales Manager - Freedom Boat Club - Florida

(1985 - 1992)

Diploma - Sunset Hair College

High School Graduate with Honours - Florida & Sheffield