Like many in the WATCHPRO Hot 100, Fernanda Zapata Vakil fell into the industry by chance and has not looked back since.
Fernanda was born and raised in Mexico, and has called New York City her home for the past 15 years.
Her first job was at a PR agency with clients in different categories, such as fashion, beauty and watches, but it was the watches that spoke to her.
This led Fernanda to launch Gigantem, a marketing, events and communication agency with what she describes as a “hyper focus” on luxury categories.
Its client list includes H. Moser & Cie, Parmigiani Fleurier, Tutima Glashütte and Zenith.
Coined by her husband, Gigantem is Latin for ‘giant’, partly to reflect Fernanda’s tall stature, she says, as well as her hunger for life and “search for continuous personal and professional growth”.
On the company’s recent expansion, Fernanda reflects: “In 2015 Gigantem was comprised of just me and a very supportive and eager intern/CEO/CTO… my husband.
“Today, our modest team of four leads the marketing and PR initiatives in the market for some of hottest names in the watchmaking game.
“I’m incredibly proud of the team I have fostered, of the work and successes we have achieved for our clients, and I am humbled by the support and trust the community has in us.”
Looking ahead at what’s to come as the world takes a deep breath and looks to press the accelerator post-Covid, Fernanda and Gigantem are keen to showcase their expertise by going big on creative storytelling as well as experiences to expand client exposure.
“Aside from the multitude of challenges, the past two years brought incredible attention and focus to the watchmaking industry,” she says.
“All the hard work from the past — by ourselves and our predecessors — is coming to fruition as we build the Americas to be the top market in the industry.”
On how her personal life ties in with what she does so well in a professional sense, Fernanda is certain that it is her love of people that has led her to end up in marketing and PR. She explains:
“I relish the moments I get to share with my loved ones. Dancing with my husband, whether while we’re alone in our apartment or while he DJs at fancy events around the world; exploring new cities with my family, making cookies with my nephews, having dinner with friends — it’s all about my people.”
