Jean-François d'Elbée

Regional Retail Leader | Multi-Site Operations | Premium & Luxury | DACH

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

About

Entrepreneurial retail leader with 20 years of experience managing regional operations, developing high-performing teams and driving commercial performance across premium retail and luxury environments in Germany and Europe. I have led multi-site networks with full P&L responsibility and a hands-on approach to operational excellence, KPI management and leadership development. I have also led organizations through significant cultural and operational change, including luxury retail repositioning and new service model deployment. I thrive in fast-moving, high-accountability environments where strategic thinking and day-to-day execution go hand in hand. Trilingual, French, German, English, and deeply rooted in the German market.

Experience

  • Regional Manager DACH at Dr. Martens plc
    Nov 2025 - Present · 9 mos

    As Regional Manager DACH, I’m responsible for driving retail excellence, brand consistency, and commercial growth across the region ensuring each location delivers the authentic Dr. Martens experience through exceptional people, service, and performance.

  • Team Lead Account Management - Region West at Wolt
    Jul 2025 - Sep 2025 · 3 mos

  • Regional Manager Retail North Germany at RIMOWA
    Nov 2023 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Business Management: Led strategic initiatives to drive regional performance and enhance customer satisfaction. Revenue Growth & Expansion: Managed CapEx, sales budgeting, and staffing for sustainable business growth. Leadership & Team Development: Oversaw recruitment, performance coaching, and engagement strategies to develop high-performing teams. Operational Excellence: Conducted weekly & monthly performance reviews, regular store visits, optimizing store performance through KPIs and structured action plans.

  • Regional Manager at Maisons du Monde
    Jan 2020 - Nov 2023 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    I was responsible for several stores in Germany, from 1000 up to 6000 square meters, representing 35 millions € in revenue and 100+ employees.

  • Operation Manager at EXKi
    Apr 2017 - Oct 2019 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    I was responsible for the Operational development of EXKi in Germany. The areas I was in charge of are: Store opening, Operation standard implementation, Marketing (Local Store Marketing, Public Relation), People Development (recruitment, training, culture) and Pricing strategy