Dweet
Dweet
Open to Permanent
Open to Permanent

João Rente Correia

Chief Executive Officer | Grupo Amiria | Paraguay
About

As a transformational leader with over 20 years of experience in the Retail, Logistics and FMCG industries across Europe, West Africa, and South America, I am passionate about driving business success and fostering a culture of growth and innovation. My career, deeply rooted in the retail sector, has shaped my ability to lead teams to achieve their full potential while promoting a sense of ownership and belonging. My management approach is data-driven, applying scientific methods to make informed business decisions. With expertise spanning operations, commercial strategy, supply chain, merchandising, and marketing, I bring a comprehensive 360-degree view of business operations. This holistic perspective enables me to navigate complex challenges and seize strategic opportunities effectively. Known for my resilience and adaptability, I have successfully led restructuring processes and implemented change initiatives in some of the most demanding environments. I am a firm believer in root-cause analysis and continuous improvement, and I prioritize team growth and development through training, mentorship, and leading by example. I am dedicated to driving organizational success, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation, and ensuring that teams not only meet but exceed their goals.

Previous Brands
CuroGens Inc.
ECIL | Angola
Ecodi Ghana
Grupo Amiria
Lasernet Distribution
Media Markt Iberia
Mega Cash & Carry
Primark S.L.U
Rico Gado Nutrição
SPAR IRAN
The Convenience Shop
Work Experience
Chief Operating Officer
Jan ‘24 - Sep ‘24
The Convenience Shop

As the Chief Operating Officer at The Convenience Shop, I was responsible for steering the operational strategy and ensuring the smooth management of day-to-day activities across over 90 outlets in Malta. I led with a vision to drive growth and innovation, spearheading the development of a new store concept and image that aimed to enhance our customers’ experiences and strengthen our market position. My leadership was rooted in a commitment to optimizing processes and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. By empowering teams and encouraging collaboration, I ensured that The Convenience Shop not only met but consistently exceeded operational goals, maintaining its leadership in the retail convenience sector.

Chief Executive Officer
Apr ‘23 - Sep ‘23
Grupo Amiria

As CEO, I played a pivotal role in driving strategic initiatives that significantly shaped the business. Key achievements include: Strategic Sourcing & Brand Development: Spearheaded the sourcing of local suppliers and identified initial product categories for the SPAR brand, laying the foundation for its market success. I also led the development and launch of the Aho Aho brand, positioning it as a key player in our portfolio. Executive Recruitment & Organizational Restructuring: Recruited top-tier executives to strengthen leadership and navigated comprehensive restructuring efforts, aligning the organization with our strategic vision. Collaborated closely with key stakeholders to develop and implement action plans that supported our long-term goals. Operational Efficiency & Reporting: Centralized the stock of slow-moving SKUs and restructured the product assortment to optimize inventory and reduce waste. Introduced a new reporting system that enhanced decision-making and operational transparency. Business Planning & Expansion: Formulated the business plan for Aho Aho, targeting $450 million in sales by 2024. Directed the expansion of SPAR Express, successfully establishing 25 new locations. Additionally, pioneered the development of SPAR's proprietary brand, further diversifying our product offerings and strengthening brand loyalty.

Interim Director International Operations
Oct ‘22 - Apr ‘23
CuroGens Inc.

Appointed on an interim basis to direct international operations for CuroGens, a Microsoft Gold partner. Spearheaded various initiatives to optimize productivity, streamline processes, and enhance team collaboration across multiple regions. Successfully developed and implemented a dynamic management dashboard for tracking project progress, and introduced internal new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Proposed a new service line, diversifying the company's portfolio and driving future revenue growth. Additionally, provided consultancy services to Meriton, a key customer, and effectively led a diverse global team across multiple

Interim General Manager
Oct ‘21 - Jun ‘22
SPAR IRAN

Appointed as an interim General Manager for SPAR in Iran after successful roles in Africa, endorsed by SPAR International and Blue River Retail. Tasked with a temporary leadership role to introduce international best practices and streamline operations in a market with limited exposure to such standards. Achieved significant milestones during this interim assignment, including a 20% year-over-year sales growth, a 7% increase in foot traffic, and a 25% larger average basket size by June 2022, demonstrating adaptability and strategic management. Managed SPAR Paksh, a logistics service company serving 700 retail outlets, and oversaw the operations of 6 stores while centralizing inventory, laying the foundation for long-term operational efficiency. Addressed fraudulent activities, ensuring integrity and ethical conduct, and conducted training sessions contributing to the 25% basket size increase.

General Manager SPAR Ghana
Sep ‘18 - Aug ‘21
Ecodi Ghana

Led the overhaul of Ecodi's business operations, supervising 12 supermarkets and finalizing a crucial license agreement with SPAR in 2020 to bolster market presence and ensure sustainability. Managed a team of 9 individuals and 250 employees, overseeing $12M in sales and achieving a notable improvement in EBITDA from -38.2% in 2019 to -29.4% in 2020. Orchestrated the smooth conversion of 11 stores to the SPAR brand within three months, transitioning to the role of Deputy General Manager with a clear path to General Manager within three months. Directed operations for 16 CityDia supermarkets and a central warehouse, contributing to revenue growth from $8.5 million in 2018 to an anticipated $12 million in 2021. Centralized inventory management for non-perishable goods, optimized logistics, and collaborated effectively with stakeholders, driving brand awareness and market consolidation.

General Manager
May ‘16 - Dec ‘17
Rico Gado Nutrição

I oversaw the day-to-day management of a joint Portuguese/Nigerian manufacturer of animal feed, directing a 60-member team, generating $3.2M sales during 2016. I successfully led a Sales, Administrative and Operational restructure which resulted in increased productivity and capacity for potential expansion. Some achievements include: • Substantially increased operating profit from -3% to over 31% and EBITDA from -70% to only -2.6% in less than two years. • Conceptualised and initiated the procurement department reducing the average cost of raw materials by 5%. • Introduced a quality control system including all aspects of operations from raw materials, production to the finished product.

General Manager | Business Unit Director | Consumer Electronics | Telco
Jan ‘12 - Jan ‘16
ECIL | Angola

I earned two promotions following a highly successful design and launch of a new retail store concept specialising in multiple products and services. I managed the day to day operations of Ecitel in Luanda and was tasked with restructuring the organization and optimizing staffing levels to compensate for the country’s unfavourable economic situation. Selected achievements include: • Generated annual sales of $6M and a 92% margin increase while Cabinda Branch Manager. • Introduced strategic and tactical action plans to reduce the old stock by 30% and customer debts by 10%. • Conceptualized and launched a new product range to increase sales generation by 15%. • Led project to centralise inventory to a single warehouse with systemic inventory procedures.

General Store Manager | Cash & Carry | Wholesale
Nov ‘11 - Feb ‘12
Mega Cash & Carry

Administered the management of a large wholesale company with a store totalling 4,600m² including 1,000m² of fresh products. I directed a 155-member team providing inventory optimization, stock replenishment, warehousing and supply chain services with a sales budget of $90M. Selected achievements include: • Directed successful turnaround improving order management processes and delivery routes resulting in an increase of 5% operational efficiency. • Achieved customer satisfaction rate of 95%

General Store Manager | Fast Moving Fashion
Mar ‘10 - Oct ‘11
Primark S.L.U

I provided general management of a 3,000m² retail fashion operation. I coordinated 12 direct and 180 indirect reports, managed staff training, processes and inventory control ensuring delivery of annual revenue targets with annual sales exceeding €20M. Achievements include: • Achieved 114.7% of annual targets for 2010/11 fiscal cycle through improved inventory and staffing management.

General Store Manager | Equity Participation | Consumer Electronics
Mar ‘07 - Dec ‘09
Media Markt Iberia

Defined local pricing strategies, inventory management, and staff recruitment to drive operations reorganisation. Lead 14 direct and 70 indirect reports within daily operations. • Achieved 102% of store sales budget in 2009 with L4L of 106% • Reduced inventory discrepancies 0.04% (savings €13K). • Opened store with equity participation. • Managed overall marketing plan with full P&L accountability.

Languages
English - Work Proficiency
French - Fluent
German - Fluent
Portuguese - Native
Spanish - Work Proficiency
Recommendations
Martin Agius
Direct manager - CEO, The Convenience Shop
Jan 2024 - Sep 2024

In our brief stint working together (Jan till July 24 ) Joao came along as a professional charismatic leader with a determined mind frame to drive the retail business in Malta to exceptional heights.

Education & Training
Porto Business School
‘18 - ‘18
Advanced Management Program
Porto Business School
‘17 - ‘18
General Management Executive Program
University of Liverpool
‘14 - ‘17
Post Graduation in Operations and Supply Chain Management
EU Business School
‘98 - ‘99
Bachelor
Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo do Porto
‘89 - ‘92
Bachelor
Porto, Portugal