Kevin Ließem

Commercial Director | experienced Country Manager & People Leader

Cologne Bonn Region

About

As a proven, highly motivated, and goal-oriented sales executive, my demonstrated, successful national retail, e-tail, and Amazon sales experience has driven my sales success, increased market share, and goal achievements. I am proficient in developing and executing national and regional budgets, forecasts, business intelligence, and marketing plans as well as building profitable relationships. I excel at team building, development, and training. As an astute communicator, I influence decision-makers and successfully drive sales initiatives. Some of my key skills include: • Customer Service • Market Planning • Budget Creation • Relationship Development • IT & Datacenters • Product Logistics • P&L Management • Distribution • Team Management • Channel Management • Key Metrics & ROI • CRM, MS-Office

Experience

  • Commercial Director at api GmbH
    May 2026 - Present · 3 mos

    Commercial Director with a strong focus on business growth, strategic partnerships, and channel development within the IT distribution industry. Experienced in driving commercial success, building long-term vendor and customer relationships, and leading high-performing teams in dynamic technology markets. - Leading commercial strategy and driving revenue growth in the IT distribution business - Managing strategic relationships with vendors, partners, and key customers - Developing and expanding sales channels and market opportunities - Negotiating commercial agreements and optimizing profitability - Leading and developing high-performing sales and business development teams

  • SharkNinja (1 yr 7 mos)
    • Int. Sales Director Bricks&Clicks
      Sep 2025 - Apr 2026 · 8 mos

      Interim Sales Director with responsibility for driving sales performance, strengthening retail partnerships, and accelerating market growth. Focused on commercial execution, strategic account management, and leading sales initiatives in a fast-paced consumer goods environment. -Driving sales strategy and revenue growth across key markets -Managing relationships with major retail and distribution partners -Leading commercial negotiations and strategic sales initiatives -Identifying growth opportunities and optimizing market presence -Supporting and leading high-performing sales teams during transformation and expansion phases

    • Senior Key-Account-Manager
      Oct 2024 - Sep 2025 · 1 yr

      Scaling and enabling the account MediaMarktSaturn Germany to fully-establish his potential including Operational, Financial and Assortment strategy and growth pillar implementation. Introducing selective distribution into the market as main driver of the region. - Setup gotomarket approach and promotional calendar, establish seasonal peak periods into the annual operation plan - Managing & Steering a team of 18 ASM/VM + 40 Instore Promotor - Establishing & building of pricing strategy, marketplace regulations and selective distribution network

  • Country Manager D/AT at Helen of Troy
    Oct 2022 - Oct 2024 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Establish & develop the Brands OXO & Hydroflask in the Houseware Channels (LEH, Department Stores, Specialist, Independants & DIY) while focusing on the value proposition and maintaining the brand values. - Setup gotomarket approach and promotional calendar, establish seasonal peak periods into the annual operation plan - Building and managing an agent team of 6 people - Establishing & building of pricing strategy, marketplace regulations and selective distribution network - full P&L responsibility

  • Head Of Trading / Head of Purchasing at AO
    Jan 2022 - Aug 2022 · 8 mos

    Lead and manage national trading business & teams as a role of head of purchasing. This role includes full P&L responsibility, national terms, contract negotiations with suppliers on director level. - Setup gotomarket approach and sustainable pricing structure incl. marketplaces - managing and developing a team of 12 people - full P&L responsibility

  • Country Manager DACH at Cooler Master
    Apr 2021 - Dec 2021 · 9 mos

    Lead and manage German-Austria-Switzerland (DACH) region’s peripherals business as country manager. This role includes input-devices as monitors, chairs and desk’s as well as gaming peripherals. Developing and onboarding qualifying etail & retail partners to re-establish Cooler Master as a peripheral gaming brand. * Setup distribution and sustainable pricing structure for DACH * managing and developing a team of 5 people * full P&L responsibility.