Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With over 25 years of experience in the Middle East retail sector, I am a seasoned leader and strategist who has successfully launched, managed, and grown multiple international brands in the region. My core competencies include customer-centric focus, strategic thinking, and talent acquisition, development, and retention. I have a proven track record of delivering financial objectives, expanding market share, and enhancing customer loyalty. I am passionate about creating and executing innovative business plans and strategies that leverage the opportunities and challenges in the dynamic and competitive retail environment. I am also committed to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and diversity among my team and partners. CORE COMPETENCIES • Team Leadership • Customer & Stakeholders relationship • Supply Chain Optimization • Strategic business planning • Talent management & profiling. • Brand positioning & Commercial Strategy • Loyalty & Strategic marketing • Performance management • Analytical and strong Commercial mindset • Financial management • Business development • Omnichannel operational expertise • Global purchasing / Contract negotiations • Cross functional project management • Change management
Led the development of the brand across the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Analyse the markets and consumer data to optimize the best marketing strategy and customer centric approach to gain market share, grow the customer base and deliver the Best Customer experience. Quarterly Board business review. Key Responsibilities • Full accountability of all markets and consolidated Profit & Loss accounts. • Lead of all the operating functions including Online activity, store operations, HR, Planning & Merchandising, Marketing and Visual Merchandising • Coordination and influence the group support functions to match the brand strategy and the financial objectives of the brand (Finance, Property, Logistics, HR, Data & Digital departments, IT, Audit) • Marketing and Advertising strategy, including Social Media channels. • Control of the OTB (Open to Buy) to guarantee best use of cash flow and minimize logistic costs. • Implementation of the brand and internal best practices to ensure Operational excellence and best customer service. • Ensure a succession plan at all levels by recruiting, coaching, and developing the best talents. Key Achievements • Brand expansion by opening and operating 210 stores in 11 countries over the last 10 years. • Launch of e-Commerce sites in 7 markets within 3 years. Break-even in year 1 • USD 450 million revenues with a net profit ratio growth from 8% to 24%, above the standards. • Grew the brand category market share faster than industry rate. • Improve conversion rate from 38% to 50% in stores and 2% Online by developing successful Omnichannel strategy and focusing on Customer experience and sales force coaching. • Responsible for +1300 managers and associates. • Recruitment, development and retention of talented profiles to ensure business sustainability. • Participation to some Group strategic projects: o 360-degree Customer centric approach and impact on the financial performance. o Digital transformation o Omnichannel marketing strategy
Management of the UAE retail electronic division achieving USD 160 millions revenues. • P&L accountability • Business expansion • Pricing strategy • Supplier negotiations
Restructuration of the supermarket division, 110 stores achieving USD 315 millions revenues.
Development of a retail company consisting in sourcing 16 international franchise concept from Europe and US markets.