Name: Helene                                                                                              

How long have you been here and what do you do?

I have been here for 12 years now… and it feels like it’s only been 12 days! I am the Head of Brand Operations and part of the Global marketing team.

What would other people say you did?

Scaring the living day lights out of our licensees (and new employees, who don’t know that I am actually quite a softie).

How is Umbro changing?

The last 18 months have been a fantastic roller-coaster ride and I feel very privileged being a part of it. Umbro is changing in ways I could not have dreamt of 18 months ago – the collaborative culture, the great working environment, the people joining from different companies/areas and bringing new inspiration. I have always loved Umbro (the brand has this way of getting under your skin) – but I could not be more proud and happy to work for Umbro than I am now.

Where would you like to see it going?

I really want us to be a cool football brand. I want the energy, hard work, passion and love we put into the brand infect the consumer in the same way! I just want them to love the brand as much as we do!

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro has produced?

Best – the last England home Kit – every time I see it, I go: “Wow, it looks so smart (and even JT looks quite dishy).” Worst – Grey Manchester United Kit from 1996.

What memory of football do you hold most dear?

Oh well, I was not going to say anything about this – but you are asking me to be honest and here you go: World Cup 1990 Final (as I was there when we – you know who I mean – won). And then for good measure, 1954 World Cup Final (just to clarify – I wasn’t personally there, I’m not that old!); and the 1970 World Cup final (was probably sitting in front of the telly with my parents but can’t really remember).

If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be…

Good question… maybe work as a scary children’s entertainer???