Age: 36
Job title: Director, Tiffany & Co. Edmonton
Why she’s a 2019 Top 40 Under 40: She directs one of the world’s most iconic brands and advocates for the retail industry.
When Laura Kinghorn is invited to speak at retail conferences or in university classrooms, she can talk passionately about retail as a lucrative, exciting career choice, but won’t talk about how to write a CV — that’s because Kinghorn has never had to apply for a job. As one of the most hardworking, savvy people in Edmonton’s retail landscape, Kinghorn’s reputation precedes her and has maintained her 18-year career in retail. Soon after winning District of Year in North America for Guess across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba in 2013, Kinghorn received a fateful phone call from recruiters for Tiffany & Co, as the brand prepared to open its first store in Edmonton.
After eight interviews, Kinghorn was invited to the role of Director of Tiffany & Co. Edmonton and, for the past six years, has been responsible for every facet of its operations.
“I love what it means to run a business and lead a team,” Kinghorn says. “And I never get tired of the excitement people have for this iconic brand. I’m so proud to work for a company I believe in that enriches lives, is ethically sound, and does the right thing.”
As the youngest person on the University of Alberta’s advisory board for its school of retailing, Kinghorn mentors students about the different paths a career in retail can take. In 2018, Kinghorn co-created a new event for the University Hospital Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees aimed at a younger demographic; the Silver Bell Soiree was a sold out success and was awarded Fundraiser of the Year.
Even though Kinghorn has had opportunities to move across Canada and Los Angeles for her work, she’s chosen to remain in Edmonton. “I love our city, and I’ve never had to move to be successful.”
