Columbus Together Digital | Lessons from a Retail Powerhouse

Join us for a powerful conversation with Helly Ding, a retail industry leader with deep experience across global markets, consumer goods, and brand growth. As VP of Global Travel Retail at Victoria’s Secret, Helly is at the forefront of transforming how brands connect with customers in fast-paced, evolving environments. She’ll share insights from her work leading teams across the world, navigating post-pandemic travel trends, and building billion-dollar businesses. Whether you're in brand, marketing, or leadership, you’ll leave with fresh ideas on growth, innovation, and how to lead with impact—even in the most complex organizations.

Helly Ding is the Vice President of Global Travel Retail for Victoria’s Secret, the world’s leading specialty retailer of intimate apparel. Travel Retail is a unique and dynamic environment that challenges many traditional retail norms. Emerging from the shadows of the pandemic, international travel is reinvigorated with new trends and consumer behaviors. Helly is focused on leading her global team and driving accelerated growth in the new era.

Prior to joining Victoria’s Secret, Helly led International Franchise Partnerships at Bath & Body Works, in Europe, Middle East and Southeast Asia regions, although International was not her first stint with the brand. In the early part of her career, Helly spent 10+ years in merchandising and brand development, progressing through roles managing key businesses across both body care and home fragrance categories, and was part of the team that celebrated the brand’s first $1BN milestone.

Not only an expert in retail, Helly also held roles in consumer packaged goods with Abbott Nutrition, leading their protein bar business, driving end-to-end marketing through a digital transformation and brand renovation. She is a well-rounded leader, with experience across retail, CPG, and even entrepreneurship; and one that understands how to navigate a complex organization while maintaining a scrappy mindset to get things done.

Helly's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellyding/

Also check out other Business events in Columbus.