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John Edward Ward

GM @ Now We Create | Creative Director @ HQWS
About

With a wealth of experience in visual merchandising and retail concept development, I excel in creating dynamic store environments. I've managed visual merchandising for luxury brands and led innovative retail projects, ensuring consumer-centric, engaging shopping experiences. Native English speaker, adaptable to diverse retail settings.

Previous Brands
HQ Worldwide Shows
Now We Create
Etoile Group (Chalhoub Group)
Puig
Mad In England
Arcadia Group Ltd
Wade Smith
Work Experience
Creative Director
Sep ‘23 - Jan ‘25
HQ Worldwide Shows

General Manager
Jan ‘23 - Jan ‘25
Now We Create

Executive Director
Mar ‘18 - Jan ‘25
Now We Create

Utilising over 20 years of creative design experience to start, and establish, a concept design and project management business in the UAE and GCC. Working with amazing partners to develop creative ideas and activations, seasonal window schemes, events, pop ups, store design, print, and trade shows. From conception through to realisation, and installation.

Senior Division Manager - Visual
Jun ‘12 - Jan ‘15
Etoile Group (Chalhoub Group)

Division Manager - Visual
Jan ‘11 - Jun ‘12
Etoile Group (Chalhoub Group)

Creative Director
Apr ‘08 - Jan ‘18
Etoile Group (Chalhoub Group)

Directed all visual and creative aspects of store design, brand activations, and visual communication for over 80 luxury boutiques across the GCC.
Managed multi-disciplinary teams to deliver top-tier visual merchandising and in-store experiences for luxury brands, including Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, and TOD’S.
Delivered projects on time and within budget while maximising operational efficiency.

Regional Visual Merchandising Manager
Apr ‘08 - Jan ‘11
Etoile Group (Chalhoub Group)

Creative Visual Merchandiser
Mar ‘07 - Apr ‘08
Puig

Designer
Feb ‘04 - Mar ‘07
Mad In England

Concept Designer
Jun ‘00 - Jan ‘03
Arcadia Group Ltd

Creative Design & Visual Merchandising Manager
Aug ‘97 - Jun ‘00
Wade Smith

Languages
English - Native
Education & Training
University of Central Lancashire
‘94 - ‘97
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Dubai - United Arab Emirates