Christian Derben is our new Account Manager, who joined the team in January 2022 to work within the Sales team. Here he shares some thoughts on his career to date, and why he’s excited to be joining Tributes.
What’s your role?
I’m delighted to have joined the Tributes’ Sales Team, working alongside Tori to promote our full range of products to new and existing customers.
What’s your background?
This new role is a bit of a natural succession; most recently I worked as an outsourced Account Manager for Royal Mail looking after 250 customers and working to a £20m revenue target. I’ve also been a Media Specialist for Royal Mail focused on providing mail intelligence and marketing solutions, and getting involved in reviewing direct mail campaigns.
What are you most aware of as part of your new role?
Working with Tributes needs a specialised approach and I’m conscious of the need to be people focused and considerate, especially when meeting customers in sensitive working environments who are looking after bereaved families. As a team we’re focused on promoting our products and services in a dignified manner and always making sure we find ways to improve our service.
How have you spent your first few weeks?
After some in-house training with Tori and the Customer Care team, I recently enjoyed my first day on the road, meeting with 4 firms of funeral directors and 2 pet crematoriums in Essex. The visits were all different, but everyone involved knew our brand and what we stood for in terms of service quality. I was pleased that those I met appreciated my honesty in tackling some of the challenging issues facing the business during the pandemic including supply chain and stock impacts.
What are you most looking forward to?
I try to always immerse myself in the business I am working for. Working for Tributes aligns with my personal traits including diligence, trust, integrity and going the extra mile. It’s a privilege to be working for Tributes and am looking forward to building a strong track record.
What do you do outside of the office?
I’m keen on current affairs, sport and the arts, and play tennis and swim regularly to keep fit. I have a long-term partner and a daughter with a PHD in Physics. My glass is invariably half-full, and I have an optimistic outlook on life in general.
What’s your claim to fame?
I was a PR manager for Live Aid in 1985 with Ffyona Campbell who walked round the world to fundraise. I helped organise the US leg of her tour crossing 2800 miles by car – although of course she walked!
Where in the world would you always choose to be?
I’m a sun worshipper and love the South Coast! Otherwise, it’s Iceland for the waterfalls, geysers and Northern Lights.
Have you had a life changing experience you’d love to do all over again?
I owned a quarter share of a racehorse that won six races and ended up running in top events at the Cheltenham Festival back in 2007/ 2008. She was one in a million!
