Carsten Skovgaard
A high achieving Buying Director, currently operating in the luxury fashion retail sector. Brings a strong track record of success during appointments with major brands such as Harrods, John Lewis and Hackett. Equipped with a broad, senior leadership skill set that is highly transferable, complemented by advanced management training. Specialises in buying and product merchandising. Increased annual t/o in men's brands by 65% in 3 years at John Lewis and transformed the perception of the brand in the UK menswear market. As Buying Director for Hackett, with full P&L responsibility for the Buying and Merchandising department (annual t/o approx. £90m). Offers exceptionally strong knowledge of retail practices, including trend analysis/forecasting. Leads with an engaging leadership style that wins respect at all levels.
Handpicked for a role with a multi-channel British menswear retailer that boasts +90 full price and outlet stores internationally, plus an online business. Reporting to the Brand Director, this is a fast-paced role with full P&L responsibility for the Buying and Merchandising department (annual t/o approx. £90m) and accountability for driving performance. Scope includes buying from the wholesale collection and creating 25% of options on a seasonal basis for retail/franchises. The position operates as option count, density and linear project leader and key member of the 360-degree marketing team. Leadership of a team of 10, including Head of Merchandising, merchandisers and allocators, is a key element of the role. • Increasing sales in first year of appointment by 12% and succeeding in boosting the mix of retail sales 60% vs wholesale 40%. • Yielding strong business benefits, such as improved accountability, access to data and efficiency, by introducing full reporting systems in the business. • Devising and managing a full continuity collection for stores, which now takes +20% of the t/o. • Exciting customers and leveraging sales by innovatively creating and designing Limited Editions and collaborations with other brands. • Driving force behind attracting new and existing customers by providing key involvement in all store and visual merchandising designs from the concept start off. • Building and sustaining a strong team culture of high-performance, through strong leadership that emphasises brand passion, communication and collaboration.
Took ownership of men’s branded buying across 29 department stores, with an annual t/o of £78m. Remit included leadership of a team of 5 buyers and assistants. Delivering and demonstrating tangible impact was essential. • Transformed the perception of John Lewis in the menswear market in the UK by responding to upcoming trends and strengthening portfolio, whilst fully aligning with brand values and customer profile. • Increased annual t/o in men’s brands by 65% in 3 years, including driving higher densities and buying deeper into key styles to drive continual t/o growth of existing brands (Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Golf, Levi’s). • Identified and maximised new revenue streams, such as adding Polo Ralph Lauren, Diesel, G-Star, Belstaff, Armani Jeans and others into the portfolio.
Initially employed as a Christmas Temp, before progressing to Shop Floor Assistant, Assistant Manager, Department Manager, Assistant Buyer (Men’s Designerwear), Buyer (Sports Department) and Senior Buyer (Menswear). Promotion to the role of Buying Controller Menswear was awarded in 2006. Accountability was held for 17,000 sq. ft through 5 departments, an annual t/o of £25m and oversight of 2 buyers and 2 assistant buyers. • Yielded excellent results for menswear; including delivering year on year growth in double digits.