My life through the lens: Kim Virdi

As part of our new ‘My life through the lens’ series, we’re discovering how our people ‘live their best phone lives’. The new series is all about learning more about how some of the moments saved on our phones have shaped our people and how they contribute to #LifeAtThree.

Today we’re getting to know Kim Virdi.

Vital Statistics

• Job title: Senior Customer Comms Manager
• Function: Commercial
• Tenure: 11 years and 5 months

Tell us about early Kim, what’s an early memory and what was she like?

To put it politely, my parents described me as spirited! I was very determined and tenacious, which I’d like to think has put me in good stead as an adult. My teenage-self would have laughed to think of me working for a telecommunications company….. as my first experience of having a mobile phone (a Nokia 3210, obviously) was to secretly take out a contract when I was 16 and running up a £350 bill.

When you were a child, what did you see yourself doing?

Strangely enough (for those who know me, and know how much I hate being told what to do!), I really wanted to join the Royal Navy. At the time I loved sailing, canoeing and rowing so had big dreams of living and working on the water. These days I’d much rather be on dry land so it was for the best that my original career plan didn’t work out!

How did you get into your role?

This is my 12th year at Three and I’ve been lucky to work in a number of fantastic teams across Marketing. After a stint in Retail Marketing and the Campaign team, I moved to Customer Comms three and a half years ago and haven’t looked back. I love being responsible for shaping the experience that existing customers have with our brand – from the moment they join and receive their first marketing communications and throughout their relationship with Three.

If you had one photo to sum up how you’ve lived your best phone life, what would it be and why?

Like most people, I don’t own a proper camera anymore, so my phone is always with me to capture the best moments. Hard to choose just one picture but this is a recent favourite. My family and I were on holiday, heading out to dinner. We passed a HUGE mirror and took this quick snap. It’s such a fun memory from the trip – and it captures my favourite people at their happiest. Definitely living our best lives!

What has been a career highlight so far?

When we launched our brand platform in 2021, I led a project to create the Customers Comms toolkit. This involved working with a specialist CRM agency to define the best practice application of our brand in email, SMS and app. This resulted in helping to deliver industry busting engagement rates from our existing customers.

But as well as my career achievements at Three, there’s been so many stand-out moments. One of the funniest involved Vinnie Jones and filming him giving a Spanish lesson for a Go Roam campaign. We were in LA at the time for an activation with the Capital Radio breakfast show. Vinnie gave us a lift back to the city in his G Wagon, as well as an insight about his famous neighbours in Hollywood.

What do you like to do outside of #LifeAtThree?

As well as my two young children keeping me very busy, I absolutely love cooking and entertaining. This mainly involves combining my passion for cheeses and wine! I’ve travelled to different Italian cities over the years and this is definitely my cuisine of choice….. so some burrata and focaccia, washed down with a limoncello and I’m very happy!