Aleksandra, Geopolitical Intelligence & Travel Security Manager at Kering

Aleksandra Szylkiewicz has graduated in International Security. Coming from Poland, Aleksandra is Geopolitical Intelligence & Travel Security Manager at the global luxury group >Kering, Paris, France 

What is your role and main responsibilities? 

I joined Kering’s Security Department in 2020 after working 2.5 years with Control Risks in the Global Risk Analysis team. The overall objective of my current role as Geopolitical Intelligence & Travel Security Manager is focussed on protecting Kering’s people, assets and business through actionable intelligence, and minimising risk while creating opportunity. I have four key areas of responsibilities:

• Geopolitical/Security Monitoring & Analysis, providing intelligence that focuses on the bigger and more strategic picture, mainly to help top management decision-making and informing our security posture in-country.
• Management of Kering’s Travel Risk Management Program, which seeks to provide support to the Group’s business travellers and expatriates, while fulfilling the company’s duty of care. The program is built in line with ISO 31030 and includes country analysis and itinerary-specific risk assessments, the provision of recommendations and implementation of protective measures whenever deemed necessary (including evacuation plans), as well as proactive monitoring and safety checks in case of an incident. As part of this scope, I periodically audit our program against best practice, manage several vendors we work with, draft and update the reference document for our standard operating procedure, and oversee internal communications relating to Travel.  
• Accompanying a VIP to all Paris-based fashion shows, while providing support from a logistics and security perspective. This includes ensuring drop-off and departure run smoothly, assessing rapid exit routes or shelter locations, and providing general support.
• Supporting Kering’s Crisis Management activities.

How did you secure this role? 

I saw the job posting on LinkedIn and followed the official recruitment process, which comprised several interview rounds

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

The luxury sector is a peculiar world and providing security services in that context is fascinating in itself. I enjoy working as a business-enabling support function as part of a company that thrives on creativity and pushing boundaries. Being able to see how certain things work behind the scenes – including shows or people – is truly fascinating and oftentimes quite surprising. In addition, the fact that my scope is global and missions diverse allows me to constantly discover new things, work with many different entities, regions, departments and people, and continue to grow.

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role? 

My studies and internships prepared me to enter the professional world equipped with a critical thinking mindset, a certain methodology, language capabilities as well as solid intellectual reflexes. This package allowed me to rapidly master new areas and challenges, while working under time constraints and in a multi-cultural and international environment. 

What advice would you give to others? 

Don’t be afraid of embracing your uniqueness and make the best out of every experience.

• About the Master in International Security
• About Kering