Importance of Teamwork? Read Jennifer's Story. #SPEEDANDSPIRIT

After more than a decade in the fashion industry, Jennifer Mohammed, now Senior Manager Global Retail Outlets Merchandising, was looking for a change in her work environment. Born in Jamaica and raised in England, Jennifer worked in London and Lugano, Switzerland before she came to PUMA in 2013.

"That moment when you realize that you are valued and that people care about you as an individual, is really very special."

The opportunity to work with PUMA in countries like South Africa, Russia, and the Middle East was the first thing that attracted Jennifer to the job. But her experience at her job interview confirmed that PUMA was different than any other company she had ever worked for. She started in the emerging markets division in Salzburg, Austria, coming up with ways to adapt the business to account for civil war or riots or theft. This required problem solving at top speed. But the spirit of the team made it possible. Understanding the needs of the individual markets was super exciting. With different sizing and different styling, facilitating a buying program for all of them was a little like solving a Rubik’s cube.

Nearly two years ago, Jennifer was promoted to the Global Team and moved to the PUMA Headquarters in Herzogenaurach. Now she works with about 20 other global managers and gets to interact with retail outlets in 35 different countries. Her experience in emerging markets has been invaluable in her new position. Regarding her career trajectory Jennifer says, What makes PUMA unique is that there is always career development if you want it.

Jennifer mentions that one of the best aspects of her work life at PUMA is the fact that while it’s a large company, it still functions, in many aspects, like a small company. Case and point: Jennifer celebrated a birthday just after her move to PUMA Headquarters. It had been a rough move with so many loose ends, but everyone in her department had helped to make it happen. When they surprised her with a birthday celebration, Jennifer finally felt like she was home. Someone brought Prosecco, another a homemade cake. Aside from career progression and getting to travel across the world, Jennifer remembers, this is what really matters and what sets PUMA apart. That moment when you realize that you are valued and that people care about you as an individual, is really very special.