Wahl Professional has appointed Anne Marie Kollias as its new National Sales Manager. As the main contact for customers and independent sales representatives, Kollias’ goal will not just be to drive sales of Wahl Professional products, but to continuously evaluate customers needs, concerns and desires to drive the innovation of future Wahl
products.
"Anne Marie is very professional and goal-oriented and will bring a polished presence to our sales efforts,” Lance Wahl, director of sales and
marketing, Wahl Clipper Corporation Professional Division says. “She knows all about our industry and is willing to think outside of the box to drive Wahl
Professional sales to the next level.”
Kollias most recently served as Vice President of Spa Operations for Me Spa, a national chain of day spas. In her previous role as Spa Director, District Manager and National Field Sales Manager for Coldwater Creek, The Spa, Kollias contributed to the significant growth and profitability of nine spa locations. In addition, Kollias has Hair Cuttery and Zano’s Salon and Day Spa in her background, serving as Regional Sales Manager Midwest, and General Manager, respectively.
She has spent 30 years in the professional salon and spa industry in various roles. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kollias started her career as a hairdresser and worked
as a Regional Education Director for Redken Canada. She has also served as the National Sales and Education Director for Artec Systems Group and later as the Northeast Regional Manager for the ISO division at Helene Curtis.
“I am excited to join a company that has a strong heritage, a culture of integrity and best in category,” Kollias says. “Wahl has been built on excellent products, innovation and strong values. I was looking to return to a sales position, which is my true passion. My interest is in developing strong relationships and growing sales and brands.”
MODERN SALON asked Kollias to share her thoughts on her new role and to offer a sneak preview of what is coming up for Wahl.
MS: What was your perception of Wahl before you joined the company?
AMK: Before joining the company, my perception of Wahl was that it is a company with an excellent reputation in the professional beauty industry for providing high quality and innovative tools, progressive education and excellent customer relationships. It is now my privilege to be a part of this outstanding organization.
MS: What goals have you set for yourself?
AMK: My initial goal is to immerse myself into the many facets of Wahl Professional; including extensive product education, and building relationships with our Rep Groups and distributor network. Secondly my goal is to drive sales by increasing our market share through education, shows, social media communication and new tool introductions.
MS: Can you give us a peek into what we might see happening at Wahl in 2016?
AMK: In 2016, we are introducing four new advanced education classes to add to our six core classes. We have seen an unprecedented demand for higher education in the Men’s Grooming category and have positioned ourselves to meet that demand. We will also be introducing several, innovative new tools to compliment our current portfolio. Our on-line and interactive communications with our customers will continue to grow and be a focus for all of us at Wahl Professional. We have experienced an outstanding, positive response from Barbers and Cosmetologists from the U.S. and around the world on our new “Tool Selection Optimizer” on the wahlpro.com site and will continue to develop end-user technology to enhance the Wahl experience for our Distributors and customers.
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