This Skechers Managing Director went from having just 3 staff members to over 1,150 in Southeast Asia
Zann Lee also witnessed the company moving towards an inclusive workplace for everyone.
This year’s International Women’s Day 2024 theme is ‘Inspiring Inclusion.’ Yahoo Life Singapore speaks to inspiring women of today who are making a difference and forging a better world.
As an avid runner, joining Skechers Singapore in 2009 seemed like a good fit for Ms. Zann Lee. With an accumulated 28 years of experience in sales and retail industry, Lee worked her way up – first as a brand manager, then to general manager and vice president – and presently, she serves as Managing Director overseeing Skechers operations in Southeast Asia.
Skechers was first founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, and now has a market cap of US$8 billion, according to Financial Times. While shoe giants like Nike and Adidas focused on diversifying lifestyle lines and product categories for performance sports, Skechers evolved from just skate shoes to repositioning themselves as an athleisure brand.
Lee has been instrumental in the expansion of Skechers since she joined the company. With a team size of only three individuals and less than 10 stores at the outset, the brand has evolved significantly over time. As of now, Zann's leadership has led to the opening of more than 834 points of sale, with over 1,150 staff members employed across the region.
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This Skechers Managing Director went from having just 3 staff members to over 1,150 in Southeast Asia
As the market evolves with modernisation, Lee has steered the brand to achieve greater success across Southeast Asia, marked by its successful collaborations with Hasbro for Skechers x Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Collection, as well as Skechers x Demon Slayer Collection and Skechers’ DC Collection. Additionally, the signing of both Skechers' former Regional Brand Ambassador, Park Seo-joon, and the current Ambassador Cha Eun-woo, further solidifies the brand's presence and appeal in the region. On 9 January 2024, Zann also contributed to the recent grand opening of Skechers The Exchange TRX, the brand’s first experiential store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which was graced by the presence of South Korean pop star and Skechers Regional Brand Ambassador, Cha Eun-woo.
We chat with Lee to find out what's it like to be a woman today.
What is it like to be a woman today?
Zann Lee: As a woman in the 21st century, although there are many opportunities available, there are also different sets of challenges. While women have more career opportunities and personal freedom than ever before, they often feel the pressure to balance multiple roles and meet societal expectations. While we celebrate the achievements of women, at large, it is also important to acknowledge these real challenges that can make us stronger, better, and more driven.
Name a female personality who inspires you and why.
I have great admiration for Ms. Dale Greig, a Scottish cross-country champion and pioneering long-distance runner. If she were still alive, I would be deeply honored to have the opportunity to sit down and chat with her. I admire her resilience and self-assurance in pushing boundaries for women in long-distance marathon running. In her era, women were excluded from long-distance marathons due to societal perceptions of women's capabilities compared to men. Yet, she shattered those misconceptions and demonstrated to the world that women can also possess the determination and perseverance to accomplish their aspirations through dedication, hard work, and resilience.
What are some of the challenges you have faced/are facing at this point in your life, be it personal or in your career?
My work involves a lot of travelling; sometimes, I'm only in Singapore for one week out of the month. As a mother and a wife, I have to juggle my professional and family responsibilities, which can be challenging. As such, I prioritise my weekends to spend quality time with my family. I do not want to miss out on being a part of my children's formative years, so I make sure I'm always there with them to celebrate important occasions or milestones.
What kind of improvements do you wish to see/have seen in your industry that will help women?
Since joining Skechers in 2009, I have witnessed firsthand the company's development, not only in terms of business but also in moving towards an inclusive workplace for everyone. Skechers is dedicated to establishing a work environment that is supportive and secure for all its employees, including women, and ensures that each individual feels valued, respected, and supported.
This commitment is achieved through Skechers' efforts in promoting gender equality, which encompasses fair benefits for all employees, regardless of gender, and a solid career growth structure where promotions are based on individual performance. Moreover, since 2020, Skechers has also implemented a hybrid work arrangement and more flexible working hours, which allow working mothers, like myself, to be there for my family in times of need and to spend quality time with them.
What is your self-care routine like?
Being an avid runner, no matter which city I'm in, I make time to go for a run every day, despite my hectic schedule. Running helps me to refresh and recharge my mind, and be ready for the next challenge.
What products/services from your company you would personally recommend to Yahoo readers?
I would recommend the Skechers Go Run Max Road 6 as it is my go-to choice for running shoes. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it also has carbon-infused plate to put more spring in every step providing unbeatable comfort during long runs. Additionally, the collection's breathable mesh uppers, cushioned midsoles, and durable outsole offer excellent support and traction. Other Go Run ranges include Consistent 2.0, Max Cushioning Premier 2.0.
Shop Skechers shoes below:
1. Skechers Go Run Max Road 6 (Men's)
Advance your strides in superior comfort by wearing Skechers Go Run Max Road 6. This carbon-infused design features a lace-up engineered mesh and synthetic upper with a removable Skechers Arch Fit insole, Hyper Burst Ice cushioning with Hyper Arc, and a Goodyear Performance Outsole.
2. Skechers Go Run Consistent 2.0 (Men's)
Upgrade your training record with upgraded comfort wearing Skechers Go Run Consistent 2.0 - Retro Upgrade. This lace-up running design features a textile and synthetic upper with responsive Ultra Light midsole cushioning and a high-rebound Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole.
3. Max Cushioning Premier 2.0 - Nite Owl Tokyo Nites (Men's)
Add more cushioning between you and the path with Skechers Max Cushioning Premier 2.0 - Nite Owl Tokyo Nites. This comfortable running design features a lace-up mesh upper, Ultra Go cushioned platform, Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole and a durable Goodyear Performance Outsole.
4. Go Run Max Cushioning Suspension - Abana (Women's)
Explore the boundaries of athletic comfort with Skechers Max Cushioning Suspension - Abana. This performance lace-up features a flat knit upper, responsive Ultra Flight cushioning, a durable Goodyear Performance Outsole, and an exceptionally comfortable Max Cushioning midsole.
5. Go Walk Air 2.0
Stride in air-cushioned comfort with Skechers Go Walk Air 2.0. This athletic lace-up features an engineered mesh upper with a breathable Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole, visible Skech-Air midsole and a Goodyear Rubber outsole.
