Katie Robertson, the dynamic Head of Merchandising at Hess Sports Group, is a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm. When she’s not immersed in her professional responsibilities, Katie finds joy in running and cycling. However, she admits that the real motivation often lies in the rewards that follow her workouts—chocolate milk, pizza, and a good gin & tonic.
Katie’s favorite aspect of her job is the growth opportunities it offers. She appreciates the family-like atmosphere at Hess Sports Group and Hess Enterprises, where the effort you put in is reciprocated. This supportive environment has been instrumental in her professional development.
Reflecting on her journey, Katie would advise her younger self to trust in the process. She acknowledges that the path can be bumpy, but these challenges are integral to personal and professional growth. A piece of advice that has stayed with her throughout her career is to enjoy what you do. “We have one shot at life, so make sure you enjoy your career; otherwise, it will be a long old slog,” she says.
Looking ahead, Katie’s goals are clear: she aims to continue growing and developing her career. On a personal note, she aspires to finish in the top 10 of her category in an Ironman competition, having narrowly missed out with an 11th place finish in her last attempt.
In her role at Hess Sports Group, Katie’s days are varied and dynamic, involving a bit of everything. This diversity keeps her engaged and constantly learning. One of her proudest accomplishments is running the length of Wales—50 kilometers a day for eight consecutive days, despite battling tendonitis in both knees. This feat tested her physical and mental limits, pushing her through every barrier.
Outside of work, Katie is passionate about endurance events and the training they entail. She enjoys the camaraderie of her friends who share this interest, making it a social activity as well. She also cherishes time spent in North Wales with her family and her dog, Ottie.
Among the projects she has worked on at Hess Sports Group, Katie is particularly fond of the Hummingbird project for its uniqueness and the Merchandise project for its new challenges. If she could attend any sporting event in the world, it would be the Ironman World Championships, a testament to her passion for endurance sports.
Katie believes that honesty and loyalty are the most valuable skills in her role. These qualities foster trust and effective teamwork. She enjoys the energetic, fun, and kind nature of her colleagues at Hess Sports Group and Hess Enterprises, which creates a positive and happy work environment.
A recent source of inspiration for Katie is Anna McNuff’s book, “Pants of Perspective”, which chronicles McNuff’s journey running the length of New Zealand. This story resonates with Katie’s own love for running and adventure.
To stay active, Katie follows the guidance of Coach Chris, engaging in a variety of activities including running, cycling, walking, and gym workouts. Her favorite athlete is Chrissie Wellington, the all-time female Ironman World Champion, who entered the sport as a novice and won every race she entered. Wellington’s journey is a powerful reminder of what dedication and passion can achieve.
Katie Robertson’s story is one of resilience, passion, and continuous growth. Her journey at Hess Sports Group is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of a supportive work environment.