Paolo Riva is chief brand partnerships and buying officer for Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus “Off the Cuff” is a Q&A series from Luxury Daily exploring the career paths, current projects and next steps of those shaping the world’s best luxury brands.
The interviews feature a Proust-style twist, allowing readers to get to know industry leaders on a personal level. This edition features Paolo Riva, chief brand partnerships and buying officer for U.S. retailers Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
In this Q&A, Mr. Riva discusses pushing through difficult situations, the basics of luxury that will never change and indulging in time with his city and family.
Here is the dialogue:
What was your first job ever? What did it teach you?
When I was 15, I spent the school summer break working as a lifeguard at our local pool. It was my first real job, and it left a lasting impression on me.
Beyond learning the technical skills needed to keep people safe, the experience taught me some foundational life lessons: commitment, responsibility and, to some degree, financial independence. At such a young age, I learned what it meant to be counted on by others and the importance of showing up every day.
Which skills have been critical to your success? Did you gain these skills within or outside of the workplace?
In such a fast-paced world, it’s easy to underestimate the value of experience. We often talk about skills as if they can be acquired overnight, when in reality they take time to develop and are shaped by both life and work experience.
For me, the skills most critical to my success have been the ability to listen intently, lead with empathy and strike the right balance between critical thinking and business acumen with instinct and creative thinking.
Some of these skills were learned in the workplace through collaboration and problem solving. Others were cultivated outside of it, through personal experiences and learning from failure.
I believe that success is a product of all of our environments and being open to growth in every aspect of life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The fastest way out is through.
Instead of procrastinating or avoiding difficult situations, I’ve learned to face them head on. That means taking the time to truly understand the issue, not letting fear or intimidation take over and reminding myself that I am never doing it completely alone.
There’s strength in leaning on others and being open to support. This mindset has not only helped me grow both personally and professionally, but has also made me more resilient and confident in navigating uncertainty.
How has your field changed since you started out in luxury, and what do you think your industry will look like in a decade?
Since I began working in the industry, so much has evolved – from the rise of digital and shifting consumer expectations to the growing importance of personalization and experiential luxury.
Yet through it all, certain fundamentals have remained constant: creativity, product evolution, quality and craftsmanship. These values have always been at the heart of luxury, and they continue to define the industry today.
Looking ahead, I believe that technology will continue to enhance how we create and connect. Throughout this ongoing evolution, my hope is that our industry never loses sight of its core. The future of luxury should still be rooted in inspiring creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
If we stay true to these values, I think the next decade will be both exciting and impactful.
What recent projects have ignited your passion for working in luxury?
The past eight months have marked a significant new era, following Saks Global’s acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group.
Serving as a leader within this new company and having a seat at the table as we integrate and work to redefine the luxury shopping experience has been energizing, intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding.
Overseeing the evolution of the Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus merchandising strategies, while reimagining how we partner with brands to deliver exclusive collections and immersive experiences to our customers has reignited an already deeply rooted passion for this industry.
Who, in any industry or sphere would you most like to share a long lunch with and where would you take them?
I would invite Mr. Giorgio Armani to join me on a recent experience I had in Italy.
While vacationing on the quiet island of Filicudi, we took a small fisherman’s boat to another nearby island called Alicudi. There, we found ourselves sitting at a communal table with strangers, sharing stories with one another while a local resident prepared us a meal using the fish that her husband caught that morning. It was a simple, unplanned moment that was truly enriching and unforgettable.
As a man known for his elegance and privacy, I think Mr. Armani would appreciate such a spontaneous moment of authenticity – people coming together for a home-cooked meal in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It was the perfect setting for a long and meaningful lunch grounded in connection.
How do you get into the right mindset before a big meeting or presentation?
Before an important presentation, I take a moment for deep breathing to help ground me and clear my mind.
I remind myself that during any complex meeting, whether internal or external, there are no winners or losers. Entering any discussion with that mindset only serves to create division.
I set out to understand the room and stay focused on the shared objective and how to deliver the best we can.
On your days off, what can you be found doing to relax or have some fun?
Even on my days off, I truly enjoy staying in New York. Most of my time is spent cycling around through different neighborhoods, reconnecting with and learning from this incredible city.
I often end the night cooking some of my favorite Italian recipes passed down to me from my mother.
What does luxury mean to you?
To me, luxury is deeply personal. It’s about the joy that it brings to each individual, regardless of the motivation.
Whether emotional, aesthetic or even a bit indulgent, what matters most is the feeling you get from owning or experiencing something that holds meaning for you. Luxury is rooted in connection and emotion.
Whether a product or service/experience, what is your favorite luxury indulgence?
Lately, my favorite luxury indulgences have been experiences, most specifically around family and food. I love discovering new restaurants and enjoying a good meal, but above all, my greatest indulgence is spending time with my nieces and nephews in Europe. I love being an uncle and making the time to see them. Regardless of the distance, it is the most rewarding luxury of all.