Katrina Schumacher
- Programme: One-year MBA
- Nationality: Canadian
- Job Pre-programme: EMEA Content Delivery Lead, American Express
Katrina spent almost six years at American Express, progressing from Analyst to EMEA Content Delivery Lead and working across premium products and digital experiences throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Now on the One-year MBA at London Business School, she has complemented that experience through projects with Cartier, Chanel and Sanderson Design Group, while also being selected for Walpole's Luxury Leaders of Tomorrow programme. Together, these experiences have helped her build a strong foundation for a future career in luxury and premium consumer brands.
What was your background prior to the One-year MBA?
I'm originally from Canada, where I studied International Studies for my undergraduate degree and Management for my Masters. I then moved to London and spent almost six years at American Express, progressing from Analyst to EMEA Content Delivery Lead.
In that role, I led the delivery of digital experiences across more than 40 EMEA markets, working with product, marketing and engineering teams to launch campaigns for premium products including American Express Platinum, British Airways and Membership Rewards. I also managed large cross-functional teams and helped brands translate their positioning into customer experiences across multiple markets.
Alongside this, I became a certified Product Manager and developed a strong interest in how premium brands build loyalty, communicate value and create consistent customer experiences at scale. That experience sparked my interest in luxury retail marketing and ultimately led me to pursue the One-year MBA as a way to gain industry exposure and make the transition into the sector.
“I've been mentored by a CEO whose experience spans brands including Loewe, Mulberry and Aspinal of London. Having access to that perspective has given me valuable insight into leadership within the luxury industry.”
Why London Business School?
I was at a point where I wanted to transition industries after spending several years at American Express. I knew I wanted to move into luxury and premium consumer brands, so I was looking for a programme that would help me make that shift in a relatively short period of time.
What ultimately differentiated London Business School was the strength of its luxury ecosystem. Between Walpole's Luxury Leaders of Tomorrow programme, LondonCAP consulting projects, courses such as Luxury Strategy, the Retail, Luxury & Consumer Club, and direct access to brands like Cartier and Chanel, I could see a clear pathway to making that transition.
Having already lived in London for several years, I was able to visit campus, meet members of the community and get a feel for the School before applying. The One-year MBA stood out because of its intensity and flexibility. I could see how, within 11 months, I would be able to combine academic learning with practical industry experience through consulting projects, extracurricular activities and direct engagement with leading brands.
Is there any club or student group that’s been shaping your experience? If so, what makes it stand out?
I'm on the executive committee of the Retail, Luxury & Consumer Club, where I led marketing for our most recent conference, bringing industry speakers and luxury leaders to campus. Being surrounded by people who share similar career interests has been incredibly valuable, both through formal events and everyday conversations.
I was also selected for Walpole's Luxury Leaders of Tomorrow programme, which pairs a small group of students with senior executives from some of Britain's leading luxury brands. Through the programme I've been mentored by a CEO whose experience spans brands including Loewe, Mulberry and Aspinal of London. Having access to that perspective, alongside the broader Walpole network, has given me valuable insight into leadership within the luxury industry.
What part of the learning experience has had the biggest impact on you so far?
The combination of experiential learning and direct industry exposure has probably had the biggest impact.
Through LondonCAP, I led a consulting project with Cartier, working directly with the team to address a strategic business challenge before presenting recommendations back to senior stakeholders. We had the opportunity to engage closely with the business, including visits to Cartier's Bond Street boutique, which provided valuable insight into how a global luxury brand operates.
Alongside that, I worked with Chanel through the Luxury Strategy course, giving me another opportunity to collaborate with a leading luxury house as part of the curriculum.
Outside the classroom, I've also been working with Sanderson Design Group through a luxury interiors consulting project. The project focuses on understanding how heritage brands can remain relevant while preserving their identity. It has allowed me to conduct consumer research, analyse competitors and develop strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
Together, these experiences have been particularly valuable because they move beyond theory and provide direct exposure to the industry I hope to build my career in.
What are your top three tips for prospective students considering LBS?
My first tip is to visit the campus if you can and get a feel for it. It's a big decision, and you'll be spending a year or two there, so it's important to explore the environment and connect with the community to make sure it's the right fit.
My second tip would be to do your research. There are so many opportunities across different areas at London Business School, but it helps to have a sense of what you want to focus on before you apply. Having clear goals not only helps you make the most of the experience but also strengthens your application.
Thirdly, be open-minded. It's a very international and collaborative environment and embracing that mindset really enhances the experience. There are lots of cultural events throughout the year, as well as opportunities to travel as part of the programme. One highlight for me was travelling to Riyadh and learning more about the region's economic development and transformation.
“What ultimately differentiated London Business School was the strength of its luxury ecosystem. I could see a clear pathway to making that transition.”
If you had to describe your experience at London Business School so far in three words, what would they be?
Transformational, global and strategic.
Transformational because of the opportunities I've had to work directly with brands like Cartier, Chanel and Sanderson while exploring a new industry.
Global because of the diversity of the student body and the opportunity to learn from people with vastly different backgrounds and experiences.
Strategic because the programme encourages you to think deliberately about where you want to go and how to make the most of every opportunity available to you.