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Guillaume Marival (SKEMA 2022): a graduate thriving in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Guillaume Marival, an alumnus of SKEMA Business School’s Master in Management (PGE) programme, has carved out an enriching and diverse career path. After launching his professional journey at Adidas in Dubai, where he spearheaded cutting-edge initiatives in strategy and digital transformation, he reflects on his experiences, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way. His key advice to students? Be adaptable, stay curious, and seize every opportunity with confidence.
Can you tell us about your time at SKEMA Business School and what it brought you?
Absolutely! I joined SKEMA Business School in 2019 through the Master in Management (PGE) programme on the Sophia Antipolis campus. SKEMA contributed immensely to my growth, both academically and personally. During my years at SKEMA, I gained a solid foundation in management and strategy, while the dynamic multicultural environment significantly expanded my global outlook.
One of the most striking aspects of this experience was the diversity of interactions I had with students from all over the world. These exchanges helped me develop invaluable intercultural communication and leadership skills. Additionally, I led the SKEMA Suzhou BDS (Bureau des Sports) as Head of Partnerships, which allowed me to hone my negotiation and leadership capabilities.
After SKEMA, you began your career with some particularly interesting roles. Could you tell us more?
Of course. After graduating in 2022, I joined Adidas as a Senior Specialist in Strategy & Digital Transformation in Dubai. This role provided me with direct exposure to the digital transformation of a global company. I spearheaded AI-driven analytics solutions for stores, resulting in revenue increases of over €60,000 and a 10% reduction in checkout wait times. At the same time, I supervised two team members—a significant milestone in team management.
This first experience gave me a crucial understanding of the dynamics of international markets and allowed me to strengthen my strategic expertise. It also enabled me to contribute to high-profile projects, such as the rollout of mobile points of sale during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
You later took on a more strategic role at Adidas. What can you share about that experience?
Today, I work at Amazon as a Key Account Manager, a position that allows me to further explore the intersection of emerging technologies and complex business dynamics. This transition—from an internship at Adidas to a role of responsibility at Amazon—was driven by my constant desire to push my limits and embrace new challenges.
What advice would you give to SKEMA students aiming for an international career?
My advice would be to never limit your horizons. An international career demands curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to navigate complex environments. These experiences have helped me grow in a global setting, which is crucial for succeeding in today’s interconnected business world.
Be proactive in your commitments, whether through internships, university exchanges, or extracurricular initiatives, as the best career opportunities often arise from these interactions. Sports, whether through basketball, running, or my recent ventures into surfing, have also taught me resilience and endurance—qualities that are vital for a successful career.
