For more than 20 years, Truefitt & Hill Global's executive director Joanna Broughton has been expanding the iconic brand’s footstep around the world, including Malaysia
During her recent visit to Kuala Lumpur, Tatler sits down with Broughton to hear more about her experience at the helm of this British male grooming institution.
Established in 1805, Truefitt & Hill is the world’s oldest barbershop with its first boutique on 71, St James Street in London still standing and taking appointments. Over the last two centuries, it has gained a reputation for the finest grooming products and services. To this day, Truefitt & Hill is one of the few brands who hold a Royal Warrant to H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh, which permits them to use the Royal Arms in connection with its business.
With 40 stores around the world, including Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, Broughton has globalised the brand, making it easier for every man to tap into their ‘inner gentleman’.
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Tell us more about your experience at Truefitt & Hill, especially as a woman leading one of the oldest grooming institutions in the world.
It’s something I don’t think an awful lot about. In today’s world, we are so interconnected that it really doesn’t matter whether you are male or female. The most important thing is that you are relevant, you have a vision, and you know what it is that a brand requires.
Right from the beginning, it has been about recognising the needs of the man and structuring the brand around that, while considering Truefitt & Hill’s rich heritage and history.
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Do you find it challenging to balance Truefitt & Hill’s heritage while ensuring relevance in the modern day?
Absolutely not. I always felt that our heritage and history give us incredibly solid base. Our history stretches back to 1805 and we have always been known for our excellence, especially after Truefitt’s merger with Peter Hill in the 1900s. We were mentioned by Charles Dickens and William Thackeray in their works; and our products were even brought onto the Titanic.
The success of Truefitt & Hill is in how we’ve modernised and adapted to deliver products and services that are tailored to the evolving needs of men. And it’s so incredible that we have been able to grow and transcends borders by opening stores around the world, with plans to expand even here, in Kuala Lumpur. There is an inner gentleman in every single man in the world. And Truefitt & Hill caters to that.
