KYMBERLI STEWART, SGS BRAND PROTECTION

Issues

Counterfeiting is a familiar issue, but recently the problem has grown into a sophisticated web due to increasingly complex supply chains. The annual cost of counterfeiting is estimated to be around $1.8 trillion annually, destroying 10% of top-line revenues.  With counterfeiting growing at 15.6% every year, this problem will continue to eat into potential profits.  From luxury handbags, clothing and cosmetics to perfumes, smartphones, automotive products, electrical good and pharmaceuticals, there is no industry that is exempt from counterfeiting.  There is need to be proactive in order to prevent these threats. A strong brand protection strategy will require coordination throughout all business lines to combat weaknesses in the supply chain, issues of diversion, quality consistency, brand dilution or diminished brand image.  

Background

Kymberli Stewart has spent over 15 years helping craft brand identities and strategies. Based in Paris, Kymberli currently oversees global sales for SGS Brand Protection Services.  Prior to working at SGS, Kymberli spent her career working with brands. She spent 4 years overseeing product development in Shanghai and 8 years working in brand development & strategy in New York. She holds an MBA from EDHEC Business School, based in France, and a BA from New York University. Having worked on 4 continents and travelled to over 60 countries, she understands the importance of working within the framework of the local markets.  She is focused on global solutions that are customized to work locally.

‘Beyond Legal: How To Craft A Secure Supply Chain & Distribution Strategy’

Highlighting how your brand should be protected on a global scale also taking into consideration IP standards along with identifying key areas on maintaining brand integrity, this topic is set to guide attendees through some of the most difficult areas to navigate with brand protection. Maintaining brand values can become increasingly more difficult as your organisation expands to the global market. Issues may arise relating to suitable or undiscussed brand changes. Kymberli answers questions such as;

How can you ensure that distributors uphold your brand values? How can you identify counterfeiters within your supply chain?

“SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world”

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