Seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in retail, luxury goods, and e-commerce sectors. Proven track record in leadership, strategic growth and business turnaround across various roles including Managing Director, Head of Category, and Consultant. Key Competencies: Strategic Planning & Business Development Turnaround Management & Business Optimization E-commerce & Retail Operations Buying, Merchandising, & Category Management Franchise Relations & Management Financial Planning & Analysis Leadership & Team Management
Head of Category - Jewellery & Watches - Created and implemented the business plan for the whole group’s jewellery and watch strategy. - Directly reporting to the Managing Director of Premium and Luxury for the business. - Lead point of contact for all jewellery and watch brands/suppliers. - Establishing, maintaining and enhancing relationships with a broad assortment of brands ranging from the likes of Casio and Timex, to Boss and Vivienne Westwood, to Gucci. - We had contact with almost every brand and I maintain many of these contacts. - Budgeting, planning and merchandising lead for the category. - Worked closely across departments to suggest and implement improvements to both the in-store and e-commerce presentation of the category and well as improving the stock management and warehousing of the product. - Revenue growing from £6m and declining LFL to £23m and growing in triple digit like for likes upon the end of the project - I was asked to come in house and look after multiple categories but declined due to other opportunities.
General Manager/Fractional CEO - Overseeing business turnaround and sale - Addressed key issues within the business and pivoted the business plan leading to a successful sale of the business to Four Marketing. - Worked closely with the Finance team to restructure the business and enable trading to continue whilst undergoing the cash flow strains of growth. - Oversaw all commercial aspects of the business working closely with the Creative Director, Production team and Marketing Manager. - Produced an approved business plan and forecasts for the new owners and oversaw the transition into a larger group.
- Building on a strong relationship with Vivienne Westwood, built up over many years, opened the largest European store in the business’ portfolio at the time. - Worked closely with the brand to ensure the highest standards were maintained at all times. - Outstanding shop fit concept including a new jewellery concept to allow for a better shopping experience. - Secured finance for a project with start up costs of in excess of £500,000 as a less than one year old start up with little security.
- Created and implemented a business plan and finance raise for $2m import facility in order to facilitate a country license and distribution agreement. - Oversaw UK operations for the business including wholesale, retail and e-commerce.
- Founded and led an independent retailer with significant e-commerce business - peak revenues of £5.5m annually. - Established supplier agreements with the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, Off White, Palm Angels, Balmain and many more. - Award winning and Google rated 4.9* by beating our direct competitors in the quality of service, packaging and speed of delivery. - Oversaw a team in excess of 30 working closely with each department lead to ensure continued growth of the business.