about us
Back in 2008, we (Mandy Pugh & Philippa Kember) met whilst working for one of the world's leading marketers and licensors of footwear and apparel...we immediately found common ground through our passion for international brand building, and that's where the story began.
We spent many days, weeks, months and years together, travelling extensively throughout South Africa, Russia, the Middle East, Israel, Turkey and Europe. Continuously collaborating on market and brand solutions to grow businesses and explore opportunities throughout the region.
We were incredibly lucky to work with some of the best and leading distributors throughout EMEA, and the foundation and strength of those partnerships were what made all the difference.
Having first hand experience as to how important partnership alignment is for a brand, combined with the complexities of international distribution, we discovered just how difficult it was to recruit experienced international sales managers and directors. There were no freelance or agent solutions for international sales experts, so we wanted to change that....and so that is what we did!
.....as a side note, (many people ask!), the company name KUPE was derived from the letters 'KE' in Kember, and the 'PU' in Pugh.
Learn More
At KUPE we take the time to build thorough, robust action plans for a country specific go-to market strategy. Collaborating with you, and the absolute best potential partners for your business, we expand your consumer footprint.
– WE are your independent freelance EMEA sales team
the founders
Philippa Kember
Philippa Kember
Philippa Kember
Co-founder
Managing Director
Over the past 28 years, I’ve worked for a number of globally renowned companies such as Prince Sports Inc, The Benetton Group, Nordica SpA, and Wolverine Worldwide covering positions in marketing, product management and for the past 15 years, sales throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Within these com
Co-founder
Managing Director
Over the past 28 years, I’ve worked for a number of globally renowned companies such as Prince Sports Inc, The Benetton Group, Nordica SpA, and Wolverine Worldwide covering positions in marketing, product management and for the past 15 years, sales throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Within these companies I’ve managed and grown distributor networks for brands such as Prince racquets, Sebago Footwear, Caterpillar® Footwear, Harley-Davidson® Footwear to name but a few, as well as managing a few key accounts directly.
Growing up in Holland, France and Malaysia, gave me a passion for travel, culture and languages and whilst English is my native language; I speak Italian, Dutch, French fluently and German at conversational level, something that has stood me in good stead over the years and that has helped expand my extensive portfolio of contacts significantly.
My expertise comprises of bringing new partners on board, negotiating and building contracts, ensuring product is placed in correct channels of distribution, all the way through to sharing their growth plan successes.
Being passionate about seeing brands and partners succeed is crucial to my strong work ethic.
Mandy Pugh
Philippa Kember
Philippa Kember
Co-founder
My career and passion for quality brands began when I started working for a product design and distribution company based in North London. Managing a portfolio of brands that were licensed, owned, retailed, wholesaled or distributed is what lead me into the complex world of commercial trade within international markets - and I
Co-founder
My career and passion for quality brands began when I started working for a product design and distribution company based in North London. Managing a portfolio of brands that were licensed, owned, retailed, wholesaled or distributed is what lead me into the complex world of commercial trade within international markets - and I love what I do!
I've a natural passion for the evolution of consumer engagement, along with building robust go-to market plans and enter new markets.
As a brand and commercial director, I have succeeded in changing the trajectory of struggling business models. Establishing and implementing robust, regional brand strategies throughout EMEA markets by leading teams to achieve their full potential and focusing on the goal. Having worked directly with distributors and agencies over many years, I have an undeniable appreciation for how rewarding the perfect partnership can be.
When people ask what is important to me, it’s usually (in no particular order) personal integrity, honesty, family, friends, fun and fine gin!
To keep my physical and mental health strong, I love to regularly run and practice Shotokan karate.
OUR DIRECTION
Vision
To continuously advance in the way we approach the world of ‘Go-To Market’ distribution planning, by embracing the ever evolving routes to market and satisfying the demands of the global consumer – priding ourselves on being the first to introduce these innovations to our customers.
Mission
Bringing the most effective, seamless, made-to-measure distribution plans to our customers, through our thought provoking approach and extensive experience,
Values
1. Every plan starts with the WHY? This sets the foundation for a thought provoking conception.
2. We aim to deliver the best, personal, efficient and valuable service that benefits each and every one of our partners and clients.
3. Transparency, honesty and integrity is at the very centre of everything we do - always!
4. We never underestimate the importance of fully understanding the brief and expected results before we move forward.
Strategy
To change the way companies, brands and distributors find each other and expand their consumer landscape.
We do this by offering an independent freelance distributor sales service. Establishing a robust database of distribution channels that take the legwork from companies trawling the internet for potential ideal partnerships.
We are pioneers and leaders of this service provider within the EMEA region. Targeting both start-up and established brands in the footwear, apparel and accessories business for fashions, lifestyle, heritage, outdoor, utility and sports brands.