Meet our CEO, Robert Ettinger. As the son of our founder, Gerry Ettinger, Robert has been at the helm of the company for over 20 years. Discover his inspiring journey from starting as an employee to leading Ettinger as CEO, continuing the legacy of craftsmanship his father started 90 years ago.
When did you first join Ettinger?
Robert Ettinger grew up immersed in a world where business and craftsmanship were second nature. From a young age, he was surrounded by the family trade and was later on sent abroad to complete various internships, gaining experience from diverse businesses around the globe.
At 20, Robert pursued his passion for skiing and became a ski instructor, spending several years exploring the world while teaching and guiding skiers across various ski resorts.
"I first joined Ettinger when I was 24 years old. At the time, I was working for the Ski Club of Great Britain, teaching and guiding people how to ski in Europe and North America. But one day, my father sat me down and asked me what I wanted to do with my life. It was a hard decision, but I’m so glad I chose to join the family business."
This pivotal choice marked the beginning of Robert’s remarkable journey within Ettinger.
What does a day in the life of a CEO look like at Ettinger?
Much like our Marketing Manager Cassi, Robert's days are full of variety, with each one bringing new challenges and opportunities. However, one constant is his early morning routine.
"I generally start at about 6 a.m., after having a swim in a nearby pool in Fulham with a group called the Early Birds. Since we work closely with Japan and other countries in the Far East, I tend to go through my emails and do any replies to them, as they are eight hours ahead of the UK."
Robert's mornings are structured and productive. BY 8 a.m., Ettinger's showroom doors are open, and the week often begins with a Monday team catch-up to align the priorities. Throughout the week, he also makes regular visits to customers in central London, maintaining close ties to the brand's loyal resellers.
"Although I am the CEO of the company, I enjoy selling and believe it's a role the CEO should always be involved in." Robert shares, highlighting his dedication to both the business and its customers.
What do you enjoy the most working here?
Ettinger is one of the few remaining British luxury leather goods companies still manufacturing in the UK, an aspect of the business that Robert takes immense pride in.
With close-knit teams based in London and near Birmingham, Ettinger fosters a collaborative environment that Robert deeply values. He believes the smaller team size allows for easy decision-making and open communication across the company.
"I enjoy working with the Ettinger teams both in London and Birmingham, many of whom have been with the business for many years." Robert shares.
Two of our Birmingham factory employees have been working for Ettinger for more than 40 years, proving the mutual respect, loyalty and love for the brand that defines Ettinger's culture.
What are the main differences in working at Ettinger when you first joined and now, 40 years later?
Many things have changed since Robert Ettinger joined the company 40 years ago but the most significant difference lies in communication.
Robert explains: "When I just joined, we were only using faxes and the telephone whereas now, emails and Zoom calls make everything instantaneous."
Another major evolution has been the development of Ettinger's website. In Robert's early days, the company had no online presence. Over the years, thanks to the dedication of the marketing team, the website has grown into a powerful platform and a cornerstone of Ettinger's success.
What is your favourite product from Ettinger and why?
A few weeks ago, we introduced two new Capra Travel Pill Cases, compact versions of our iconic Capra Pill Case, which happens to be Robert's favourite Ettinger product.
He shares: "The Ettinger Pill Case is something that is both practical and useful and has turned a very ordinary product into something special and luxurious. The idea came by accident when I was having breakfast with a great friend and he took out his pill case which was encased in a plastic cover. I jokingly said 'that's a disgrace, I'll make you a leather one' and we did. The rest is history."
What are you looking forward to in 2025 for Ettinger?
2024 was a milestone year for Ettinger as we celebrated our 90th anniversary. but 2025 promises to be just as thrilling specially with the launch of several new products.
"We are now in our 91st year of being a business and we have a lot of exciting new products coming out in the next 12 months, new light luggage, some great golfing gifts and even some accessories for your pets!"
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