Charley Stoney, whose family hails from Rosturk near Mulranny and who is also managing director of Field Management Ireland Ltd, was announced as winner of the Professional Woman of the Year title at the IMAGE Businesswomen of the Year Awards which were held on Wednesday night at a ceremony in Dublin.
The award was made in recognition of her contribution to FMI’s growth and expansion. Ireland’s leading field management company, FMI provides a range of services that are as varied as the clients they work with and include customer coaching, merchandising, demonstrations, retail auditing, and promotions.
One of the leading experts in her field, Ms Stoney has a 20 year track record of success. During her time in FMI, she has been instrumental in generating additional business of over €5 million in three years.
With a head office team of 25 based in Dublin and a field staff of 500 in the €7.1 million turnover company, her role is multifaceted and includes building and maintaining existing and new client relationships in addition to delivering growth and strategic direction for the company, plus the development of personnel within the business.
“In these recessionary times and in a very competitive retail environment, it’s essential for brand owners to have the best analysed, fastest, and most current feedback via online reports and pictures from stores, shops, and forecourts nationwide,” Ms Stoney said. “With its network of staff and commitment to using the latest technology, FMI offers clients that important advantage. FMI was the first field management company to provide their field staff with hand held technology. In 2007 the company was the first to provide clients with online reporting via these units within 24 hours of any in-store activity – crucial information in the battle for retail sales. Ongoing investment in technology remains a priority.”
She has a reputation in the industry as a straight talking, quality solutions provider to clients which include blue chip names such as Cadbury, Glanbia, Canon, UPC, Jacob Fruitfield, Meteor, John West, Irish Distillers, Sony, Edward Dillon, Esso, and Walkers.
Ms Stoney is also not afraid to take a calculated business risk that will enhance both her and the client’s business.
