Sara Pastor
Prague
Summary
Dynamic executive marketer and skilled people leader with over fifteen years of proven success across diverse enterprises in Oceania, Europe, and North America.
Expertise includes a comprehensive range of marketing disciplines such as brand development, digital performance, and data-driven revenue strategies, supported by strong communication and negotiation skills. Recognized for fostering inclusive environments and cultivating trust, with a solid track record in building, leading, and mentoring high-performing teams through complex business challenges. Committed to driving customer-centric strategies that enhance brand visibility and deliver measurable results.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Manager Marketing
Fisher & Paykel Appliances (Haier Group Corporation)
01.2023 - 08.2025
- Lead the comprehensive marketing strategy, planning, and implementation for Fisher & Paykel, Haier appliances, and DCS outdoor cooking solutions in New Zealand.
- Develop and execute e-commerce strategies to drive online sales growth and enhance digital customer engagement.
- Integral member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic business planning initiatives.
- Direct management of a team of six members, overseeing end-to-end marketing efforts targeted at three distinct audiences: end consumers, trade partners, and SDAs (Specifiers, Designers, and Architects).
Group Head of Digital and Customer Experience
European Motor Distributors (Volkswagen Group NZ)
07.2020 - 01.2023
- Promoted to manage the newly established digital and customer experience team, functioning as an internal agency for seven brands including Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial, ŠKODA, SEAT, and CUPRA.
- Accountable for steering the digital experience strategy, customer journey enhancement, data strategy, and serving as the deputy for the department's General Manager.
- Led a team of thirteen professionals across domains including marketing automation and CRM systems, digital performance, search engine optimization, website management, paid digital media, community engagement, events coordination, and marketing operations.
Head of Marketing
Volkswagen New Zealand
09.2016 - 06.2020
- Led the development and execution of comprehensive brand and marketing strategies, setting clear objectives and tactics, alongside managing a $5M budget.
- Provided key support in sales, product planning, and dealer development initiatives.
- Oversaw stakeholder relations, including partnerships with agencies, coordination with head office and dealers, and media relations.
- Supervised a dedicated team of four, ensuring alignment and efficiency in achieving marketing and sales objectives.
Marketing Manager
Skoda New Zealand
02.2015 - 09.2016
- Led the strategy and implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies, encompassing brand development, digital marketing, sponsorships, events, social media, public relations, and customer relationship management, with a budget oversight of $3M.
- Conducted in-depth research on competitor products and market trends to inform strategy adjustments and innovations.
- Managed relationships with key stakeholders including agencies, media partners, and dealers, while leading and supervising a focused team of two.
Marketing Coordinator
Skoda New Zealand
05.2013 - 02.2015
- Oversaw the development and implementation and execution of marketing strategies.
- Responsible for organizing events and managing sponsorship programs.
- Coordinated digital owned channels, including social media platforms and website content management systems (CMS).
Aftersales Marketing Executive
Skoda Auto
03.2012 - 03.2013
- Led the development and execution of a communication strategy for a global accident management program, ensuring clear and consistent messaging across multiple platforms and stakeholders.
- Managed a project for integrating aftersales and finance products into an ecommerce platform.
- Contributed to the successful delivery of new product launches and training programs, enhancing product awareness and sales team effectiveness.
Events and Sponsorships Coordinator
Skoda Auto
06.2011 - 03.2012
- Organized cycling, motor shows, and motorsport events, aligning them with the overarching sponsorship strategy to ensure a cohesive brand presence and engagement.
- Collaborated with stakeholders across all business levels to ensure the seamless execution of events.
- Managed and maintained an events calendar for strategic long-term planning and coordination.
Previous experience
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Graphic designer, The Media Club, Vancouver, Canada, 2010.
- Public relations assistant, Siam Park, Spain, 2009.
- Receptionist, Sercolet hotels, Spain, 2009.
- Tourist information officer, Spain, 2008.
Education
Masters - Marketing and Public Relations
University of Valladolid
Segovia (Spain)06-2011
Bachelor - Tourism, Cultural Studies and Hospitality
Hochschule Zittau-Görlitz, I.E. Business School
Segovia (Spain); Görlitz (Germany)06-2009
Skills
- Knowledge:
- G Analytics
- PowerBi
- Adobe C Cloud
- Mic Dyn CRM
- Marketo
- Click Dimensions
- Mailchimp
- Mic Sharep CMS
- Umbraco CMS
- WordPress CMS
- Adobe Exp CMS
- Social Bakers
- Hootsuite
- G AdSense
- G AdWords
- AI
- Skills & attitude:
- Brand & Strategy Planning
- Business Development
- Strategic Planning
- Relationship Management
- Events & Sponsorship Management
- Crisis Management
- Positive
- Passionate
- Determined
- Honest
- Self-aware
- Proactive
- Leadership and team building
- Problem resolution
- Operations management
- Time management
- Team leadership
- Training and coaching
Certification
- Leadership Dev. Programme The Icehouse - 2021
- ADMA Marketing Masterclass Association for Data-Driven Marketing & Advertising - 2020
- Digital Marketing Leadership Google Squared Online - 2016 - 2017
- 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Tourism New Zealand - 2016
References
Available upon request.
Hobbies and Interests
Scuba diving, Cycling, Football, Yoga, Fishing, Hiking, Travelling, Handicrafts, Volunteering (Coastguard)
LANGUAGES
Spanish: native
English: bilingual
German: C1
Czech: B1
Timeline
General Manager Marketing
Fisher & Paykel Appliances (Haier Group Corporation)
01.2023 - 08.2025
Group Head of Digital and Customer Experience
European Motor Distributors (Volkswagen Group NZ)
07.2020 - 01.2023
Head of Marketing
Volkswagen New Zealand
09.2016 - 06.2020
Marketing Manager
Skoda New Zealand
02.2015 - 09.2016
Marketing Coordinator
Skoda New Zealand
05.2013 - 02.2015
Aftersales Marketing Executive
Skoda Auto
03.2012 - 03.2013
Events and Sponsorships Coordinator
Skoda Auto
06.2011 - 03.2012
Previous experience
01.2008 - 01.2010
Masters - Marketing and Public Relations
University of Valladolid
Bachelor - Tourism, Cultural Studies and Hospitality
Hochschule Zittau-Görlitz, I.E. Business School
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