In this regular feature, we sit down with a member of the 2.0 & Partners team, to find out a bit more about who they are, what they do, and how they do it.
In this edition, we meet with 2.0 & Partners Business Development Account Manager Sergei Bozhok.
Please tell us about your journey to join 2.0 & Partners?
My journey into the fascinating world of travel retail and duty free began in 2003 when I joined Philip Morris International as a Duty Free Executive. This role offered me an excellent foundation within a structured corporate environment where I learned the importance of adhering to meticulous policies and procedures. After three enriching years, I felt ready to explore a new direction and transitioned to the dynamic role of working with a travel retail and duty-free operator. Over 13 years, I grew from a frontline Salesperson to a Business Development Executive and eventually took on the role of Duty Free Store Director, leading a team of 36 people.
However, the pandemic brought unexpected challenges that disrupted the industry, nearly bringing operations to a standstill. During this time, I engaged in active professional discussions on LinkedIn and even authored a guest column for The Moodie Davitt Report in November 2020. Following this, Marco Passoni from 2.0 & Partners reached out to me, and after an engaging conversation, I was offered the opportunity to join the team. I gladly accepted, and it’s been a rewarding chapter ever since.
Please outline your role with the company?
As a Business Development Account Manager at 2.0 & Partners, I focus on building strong relationships with new and existing partners, increasing awareness of our brand, and identifying fresh business opportunities. Every day presents a new challenge that demands creativity, flexibility and adaptability.
I truly enjoy the diversity of my role, which is far from routine. My approach is deeply rooted in building trust and genuine human connections with our partners, ensuring every relationship is based on mutual understanding and respect. By employing a bespoke approach tailored to our clients’ needs, I work to help create memorable customer experiences that stand out.
Our pragmatic, results-driven philosophy ensures that we offer strategies rooted in real-world insights, enabling our partners to make bold but informed decisions that lead to measurable success in the Travel Retail market. Every day, I find inspiration in collaborating with our clients to help reinvigorate this ever-changing industry.
What do you think makes travel retail such a special marketplace?
Travel retail is an extraordinary space where commerce meets culture, offering a truly global platform for brands to connect with international audiences. It is a dynamic environment where millions of travellers from diverse backgrounds converge, each with unique mindsets and expectations.
This market’s uniqueness lies in its ability to elevate the shopping experience into something more than just transactional – it is an opportunity to create emotional connections with customers during their journeys. Whether it’s through duty-free pricing, exclusive product offerings, or the immersive storytelling of luxury brands, travel retail is designed to capture the imagination of travellers.
Moreover, it serves as a springboard for market expansion, allowing brands to test new strategies and penetrate new regions. The synergy between travel and shopping creates endless possibilities, making this sector both challenging and rewarding. It is a place where innovation and customer engagement take centre stage, and it is a privilege to contribute to shaping its future.
What have been the highlights of your time with 2.0 & Partners?
Over the past three years with 2.0 & Partners, I’ve had the privilege of working in an incredibly fast-paced and ever-evolving environment. What excites me most is the creative freedom to approach each task with innovation while staying committed to delivering measurable results for our partners.
The diversity of my work has been a highlight; engaging with partners worldwide, nurturing relationships, and contributing to groundbreaking initiatives like the launch of the Chinese Excellence Academy e-learning course. Every day brings something new, whether it is finding creative solutions, collaborating with colleagues across the globe, or participating in the development of innovative projects.
Working with this talented and passionate team has been an adventure. The balance between responsibility and fun makes it a truly fulfilling experience. It is inspiring to be part of a company that constantly challenges the status quo and sets the bar higher for the travel retail industry
What does a normal day look like for you with the company?
As someone working entirely remotely, maintaining a disciplined routine is essential. My day begins by reviewing the plans and objectives I set the previous evening, ensuring continuity in my workflow. I rely heavily on our CRM system to manage processes efficiently and stay organised without the need for physical notes.
The day progresses with checking emails, prioritising responses, and identifying potential partners relevant to our business. One of my favourite aspects is reaching out to potential collaborators – it feels like being a private investigator on a mission to uncover valuable opportunities.
I often work with light jazz or funk playing in the background, which keeps the atmosphere energised yet relaxed. Regular breaks for light physical exercise and eye strain relief are a must, as sitting at a desk all day can take its toll. Occasionally, I’ll have late-night video calls to accommodate partners in different time zones, but I embrace these moments with humour. For me, the joy of doing what I love transforms work into a daily adventure.
What are your hopes for the business in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, I am excited about the ambitious projects we are already preparing behind the scenes. I am eager to see how our innovative approaches will reshape the travel retail landscape and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
I anticipate tackling complex and non-standard challenges that push us to think creatively and step out of our comfort zones. My hope is that we’ll continue to lead the charge in implementing groundbreaking strategies that benefit both our partners and the industry at large.
On a personal note, I would love to spend more time with my colleagues, not just at major industry events like the TFWA Exhibition, but also through local initiatives such as our Beach Clean events. Being part of this incredible team of professionals and bright personalities is an honour, and I cherish the chance to collaborate and connect with them on a deeper level. Together, I am confident we’ll make 2025 a landmark year for 2.0 & Partners.
