Q&A: Marialicia Izquierdo’s bold shift to luxury retail

Posted on: 23 September 2025 in Where are they now?

Marialicia Izquierdo (MBA 2022) shares how bold decisions took her from industrial engineering to a career in luxury retail.

You've had an interesting and international education and career journey to date. Can you talk us through it and what inspired you to follow this path?

I’m originally from Ecuador, where I studied Industrial Engineering at Universidad San Francisco de Quito. During my studies, I spent a year as an international student at Oregon State University, which sparked my interest in pursuing a master’s degree abroad and exploring career opportunities beyond my home country.

I began my professional journey as a Productivity Consultant at a prestigious bank in Ecuador, but I quickly realized that role wasn’t my true calling. I then shifted to a completely different industry - the flower export sector, a key part of Ecuador’s economy. Over four years, I held various supply chain roles, managing £91M in demand for major US supermarket chains like Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and Safeway. This experience gave me a deep understanding of complex operations and international logistics. Eager to gain a more holistic understanding of business - especially finance, which I felt I was missing - I decided to pursue an MBA at the University of Liverpool in January 2021, right in the middle of COVID-19 restrictions. It was a bold move, but one that paid off immensely.

How has your career path evolved since studying on the MBA programme - any unexpected turns or opportunities?

The MBA not only strengthened my financial acumen but also expanded my network. Many of the connections I made there are now valued friends and colleagues.

After completing my MBA, I chose to stay in the UK and joined Deliveroo, where I managed the Demand and Supply Chain Process for Riders. The financial skills I had gained during my MBA were critical in helping me getting this job and navigating this role successfully. I loved the challenge and the opportunity to learn about the UK market from the inside.

Since April 2022, I have been working at Harrods as the Fulfilment Manager for Furniture, where I lead a team and oversee end-to-end operations, including trade forecasting, P&L review, and continuous improvement of the supply chain process.

Working in luxury retail is both challenging and rewarding - completely different from my previous roles. Luxury retail - particularly the furniture sector - is heavily influenced by broader economic shifts such as changes in the UK property market. To navigate this landscape successfully, I focus on strategic planning, in-depth analysis, and ensuring operational excellence within my team.

What advice would you give to recent graduates hoping to build a career in London’s competitive retail sector?

For recent graduates looking to build a career in London, my advice is simple: use your network strategically, be prepared to adapt, and understand the cultural and business differences in the UK.

Opportunities often come through connections, so invest in relationships, be proactive, and don’t be afraid to take bold steps outside your comfort zone.

Thank you to Marialicia for sharing her career journey so far.

Stay connected with you alumni community:

Keywords: Where are they now?.