Madeline Saxton-Beer has a penchant for the finer things. It’s no wonder that she’s settled in to her role as the head of marketing at Partridge Jewellers, one of Aotearoa’s oldest and most esteemed jewellers. Prior to finding her dream position, she championed several career paths and industries including senior editor at an Auckland magazine and as a communications manager at a boutique dairy company.
When asked about her diverse background, Saxton-Beer admits it all came to fruition organically. A writer by trade, her tenure as an editor cultivated a web of invaluable connections and opportunities. “I landed on writing by chance after a significant period of travelling in my early twenties. My portfolio was a blog I had written during a stint volunteering at an orphanage in Tapachula, Mexico,” says Saxton-Beer. “[My career evolution] came naturally and through my work at Denizen, I met a lot of people operating at the highest level in their respective fields; hospitality, local enterprise, design and more. Through this extended network, I ended up going to dairy and then diamonds — embodying a brand voice and assisting with the marketing direction of each.”
Having now been at Partridge Jewellers for a little over two years, Saxton-Beer’s days are far from mundane, as she balances her work with mothering two young children. “Since I work almost full time, I spend the rest of the time trying to squeeze in moments of socialising and leisure,” she explains. Amidst her sea of daily responsibilities, she manages a plethora of luxury brands, including Partridge Jewellers own unique label. “From Rolex and Cartier, through to Chopard and Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, each [brand] has a unique identity to represent, market and express in a local way,” she says. “We have a managing director (Grant Partridge) who is a fifth generation family owner, adores jewellery and has an endless stream of ideas to expand and push the business forward. We are always striving to do better and new ideas are our fuel.”
As a necessary and undeniably chic part of her role, Saxton-Beer frequently finds herself jetting off to international destinations for work, attending events all across the world. “This year has taken me on a trip back to Paris (where I once lived) and Switzerland to the heart of so many well-known watch brands for their biggest annual convention, Watches and Wonders,” she says. “To see how these big names operate in the motherland is quite something. Their hospitality, product launches and branding is executed to such a high level, it is very inspiring.” And while Saxton-Beer considers such trips to be career highlights, she also readily acknowledges that balancing travel with her personal life isn’t always a seamless feat. “I have had a great amount of fun travelling lately but it can certainly take a toll at home,” she explains. “I am lucky to have a fabulous partner who, while very busy with his own work, has flexibility in his day and is very supportive. Further to that, we are lucky to have the help of two gorgeous grandmothers and a nanny — it takes a village!”
With further travel on the horizon and a myriad of plans to continue developing Partridge Jewellers as a brand, there’s a lot in the works for Saxton-Beer. As we concluded our conversation with this inspiring businesswoman and mother, FQ asked what we could expect to see from her over the coming weeks and months. “We are at a really exciting point of the business at Partridge,” says Saxton-Beer. “I think this will really be a business to watch and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Quick-fire Questions:
My favourite place to travel to… Mexico.
The last item I bought for my wardrobe was… Some Ganni boots for winter.
The three beauty products I can’t live without… Emma Lewisham Skin Shield SPF30 cream, Raaie Morning Dew Vitamin C serum, Kiehls Avocado Hydration Mask.
My current podcast recommendation… Diary of a CEO.
Best place for a cocktail… Hotel Ponsonby.
If I had to listen to one musician for the rest of my life it would be… Kaytranada.
The most cherished item in my home is… My bed! We have a very good one. And the best thing is that is manages to sleep four people and a cat.
Imagery: supplied.
