Victoria Katharine Player
Victoria Player is the President and Owner of SIMPLY OAK™, a premier provider of bespoke European wood flooring and custom architectural wood products for luxury residential and commercial projects worldwide. With over two decades of experience in high-end sales, business development, and operations, Victoria has built a reputation for delivering innovative solutions and exceptional craftsmanship to the architecture and design community. Her leadership is defined by strategic vision, a commitment to quality, and a dedication to creating spaces that are both timeless and functional.
Under Victoria’s guidance, SIMPLY OAK™ has expanded its offerings beyond flooring to include custom wall panels, artisanal stair components, patio decking, and ceiling treatments, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail and sustainability. She has overseen projects of global significance, including the Art House at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai and the Hoback Club in Jackson Hole, ensuring each installation meets international standards of excellence. Passionate about sustainability and biophilic design, Victoria integrates environmentally conscious practices into every project, reflecting her deep commitment to ocean conservation and responsible use of natural resources.
Beyond her professional achievements, Victoria is an avid paddle boarder and ocean advocate, using her platform to promote awareness and protection of marine environments. She combines her love for the water with her business acumen, inspiring her team and clients to prioritize both design excellence and ecological responsibility. Her professional philosophy centers on delivering outstanding client experiences, fostering innovation, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, establishing her as a respected leader, mentor, and trusted partner in the global design and construction community.
• Gloucester College of Arts & Technology - BMST
What do you attribute your success to?
Honesty, integrity and relationship-building; being transparent with clients and presenting solutions when problems arise. Perseverance, grit and reinvesting profits into a self-funded company built while raising her daughter as a single mother.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
From an old boss in the private jet industry: 'If you throw enough shit against the wall, some of it's gonna stick.'
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go for it. Believe in yourself, persevere, ignore the haters, seek mentorship, learn from mistakes and take every opportunity.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Biggest challenge: operating in a male-dominated construction and architecture environment where women are often the only female in the room. Opportunity: continued global growth, securing high-profile projects and building partnerships with top architecture firms.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is the cornerstone of both my professional and personal life. I value transparency, integrity, and accountability in every interaction, whether I am leading a team, collaborating with clients, or nurturing relationships with family and friends. I believe that trust forms the foundation for meaningful connections and long-term success, and I strive to approach every decision and commitment with sincerity, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility.
