Sign In

Kelly van der Kwast

Experienced Leader in innovation, (business) transformation and change management open to opportunities

Professional Background

Kelly van der Kwast is an accomplished leader in change management, transformation, and innovation, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. With a finely tuned strategic mindset and a deep-rooted passion for improvement, Kelly excels at stakeholder management, guiding organizations toward their goals through thoughtful and effective change. She has honed her expertise in digital innovation and disruption, working to reshape large corporations from within by embedding transformative practices that enhance both people’s experiences and organizational efficiencies.

Throughout her career, Kelly has operated at the nexus of fashion and technology, leveraging her real-world experience to drive significant advancements in the fashion value chain. Her strategic initiatives have not only targeted digitization but have also emphasized sustainability—a critical focus in today’s corporate landscape. Kelly's diverse background equips her uniquely for challenges across various industries, as she looks forward to new opportunities to enact substantial change and drive innovation.

Education and Achievements

Kelly van der Kwast's academic background is as impressive as her professional journey. She completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at High School Peter Stuyvesant College, which laid a solid foundation for her subsequent education. Kelly further pursued her passion for media and communication by earning a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Culture from the prestigious University of Amsterdam. Continuing her education with ambition, she obtained a Master of Arts in International Journalism with honors from City University London. This blend of educational experiences has equipped Kelly with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in her career.

Her career trajectory is marked by remarkable positions at top organizations, where she has exhibited leadership and dedication to transformational change. As the former Head of Customer Success at HATCH and Senior Director of Digital Transformation at Hatch—Powered by PVH Europe, Kelly played a pivotal role in steering her teams and initiatives toward customer-centric solutions and digital advancements. In her previous roles at PVH Corp, she successfully led change management initiatives that transformed processes and enhanced operational efficiency.

Notable Contributions

Kelly's commitment to digital transformation is underscored by her impactful work at iconic fashion brands, including Tommy Hilfiger, where she began as a Digital Showroom Coordinator and ascended through various managerial roles, leaving a significant mark along the way. Her work as a project manager for the Digital Showroom is particularly noteworthy, where her talents shone brightly as she helped implement innovative strategies that enhanced the customer experience in a digitally enhanced environment.

Recognizing the importance of giving back to the community, Kelly has been involved in volunteer work, notably with De Regenboog Groep, and she has contributed her journalistic talents as a freelance project manager, writer, and researcher. Her diverse roles, including serving as an editorial staff member at OBJEKT©International and as a journalist at Radio Nederland Wereldomroep, reflect her versatile skill set and deep understanding of media and communications.

Additionally, Kelly has volunteered as a blogger with TEDx Amsterdam, sharing her insights on important topics and contributing to knowledge-sharing platforms that promote innovation and transformation in various fields. Her contributions as a junior reporter and assistant editor at various media outlets highlight her strong foundational skills in journalism, further enhancing her capabilities in content creation and communications.

Future Aspirations

As Kelly van der Kwast moves into new industries, she brings with her a robust toolkit of skills and experiences honed through years of dedicated work in both the corporate world and creative realms. Her passion for digital innovation, sustainability, and transformation continues to drive her forward as she seeks out the next significant challenge in her career. With her strategic talents and effective leadership skills, Kelly is poised to make a meaningful impact on any organization she joins, ensuring that they achieve their goals while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Related Questions

How did Kelly van der Kwast develop her expertise in digital transformation within the fashion industry?
What inspired Kelly to transition from a successful career in fashion to exploring new industries?
Can Kelly van der Kwast share her most significant achievements while heading the customer success department at HATCH?
How has Kelly's educational background influenced her approach to change management and innovation?
What lessons in stakeholder management has Kelly van der Kwast learned from her time managing digital transformation projects?
Kelly van der Kwast
Add to my network

Location

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands