Louis Coelho of Charles Tyrwhitt wins Employee of the Year
Louis Coelho, Retail Operations Manager at Charles Tyrwhitt, has been honoured with the Employee of the Year award, recognised for his exceptional contributions, innovative thinking, and leadership over the past year.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have Louis scoop the Employee of the Year award at the 2024 People in Retail Awards. It’s been great to see Louis develop and grow his career at Charles Tyrwhitt. Over the past year, Louis has played a critical role in the growth of our Retail business using his knowledge, passion and expertise to deliver exceptional results, so we’re delighted the judges saw this too.”
Phil Vickers, HR Director at Charles Tyrwhitt.
What makes Louis truly stand out is his seamless transition from being a Store Manager to taking on a challenging head office role, where he has led with humility, integrity, and a passion for driving change.
Building the future: From Store Manager to Operations Leader
Louis began his journey as a Store Manager, where his dedication and exceptional performance earned him a well-deserved promotion to Retail Operations Manager. This role required him to step into a position of leadership over his former peers—an often challenging shift that he navigated with grace. He set an example by consistently demonstrating his adaptability and eagerness to learn.
In his new role, Louis was tasked with overseeing multiple new store openings and refits, despite having no prior experience in project management. Displaying agility and strategic thinking, he managed to deliver every single project efficiently and on schedule, even overseeing the flagship store opening on Regent Street. His meticulous planning and hands-on leadership played a crucial role in Charles Tyrwhitt’s expansion and increased revenue.
Leading beyond the workplace
Louis didn’t stop at operational success. He took the initiative to lead the company’s ‘Million Makers’ team, a charity fundraising effort supporting the Prince’s Trust. Bringing together people from across the business, Louis organised events that raised a record-breaking amount, showcasing his ability to inspire teamwork and make a meaningful impact beyond the day-to-day responsibilities. His efforts demonstrated a genuine passion for social responsibility, further enhancing his contribution to the organisation.
Driving innovation and customer experience
Always striving for excellence, Louis launched several initiatives to improve sales and customer service. Notably, he introduced a VIP Customer Appointment system, which led to increased sales and a more streamlined experience for customers and store managers alike. Additionally, he piloted Charles Tyrwhitt’s first-ever Mystery Shopping programme, providing valuable feedback to retail teams, which helped improve service quality.
Why Louis deserved this award
Louis Coelho embodies the “Tyrwhitt Spirit,” going above and beyond to support his team, the business, and the community. From handling multiple projects and responsibilities to innovating operational processes and championing charity work, Louis demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance and excel in all aspects of his role. He consistently demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, which makes him a true asset to Charles Tyrwhitt.
His journey from Store Manager to Retail Operations Manager, where he effectively managed large-scale projects, introduced innovative systems, and fostered a culture of teamwork, is a testament to his dedication and passion. This award celebrates not just his individual achievements but also the positive impact he’s made across the organisation.
