A senior director with a record of sustained achievement in the creation and development of high performing businesses, namely; Asda, B&Q, Makro, Saint-Gobain, serving the private and public sector. Most recently, created an online retail business from scratch. He gained an MBA at the Institute for Retail Studies, University of Stirling and was awarded a Fellowship of the Institute of Directors and is Chairman of IoD Manchester. A passionate brand champion who likes nothing better than engaging people in the brand. He describes himself as adaptable and someone who gets things done. Nothing motivates him more than results, though he is also proud of his record of developing the people around him. International Experience.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS:
Created an online retail business from scratch. Sourced and developed product range. Researched the market sector and developed retail pricing strategy and positioning. Recruited and managed specialists; software developer, website developer and creative marketing agency. Managed company formation and ongoing administration. Business Development.
Launched a brand new retail format targeting SME’s. Researched UK, France and Poland before defining a clear strategic base, recruitment and marketing strategy. Business developed from zero to 50 million turnover with like for like sales growth of 50%.
Developed locational strategy. Worked directly with specialists, agents and local planning officers from site identification to build. Reduced retail fit out from 12 to 8 weeks. Managed a 30 million investment programme.
Integrated and managed a newly acquired 100 million turnover business. Developed and motivated a disillusioned team, instigated back office synergies. Increased net profit return from 7% to 10%. Led a successful trade sale.
Managed a 500 million turnover multi-site wholesale business. Developed the business through structural changes, operational focus and sharing best practice. Increased net profit return by 2%.
Directed a cross-functional team of product, logistics and operational personnel to realign and reduce warehouse distribution facilities across food and non-food sectors. Outcome of project produced savings of 3 million pa.
EXPERIENCE/STRENGTHS INCLUDE:
Ability to quickly grasp and understand complex situations, question the norm and articulate ideas at Board level. Listens dispassionately, intently and carefully so that the key points are recalled and taken into account to protect shareholder and key stakeholder interests.
Clarity of strategic vision and the breadth of senior managerial experience gained in commercially challenging roles provide a solid foundation to successfully develop the strategic direction of varied business cultures and environments.
Experience of a highly successful trade sale. Headhunted by Finelist Plc shortly after they acquired Maccess and developed this 100 m turnover business, which was subsequently sold for almost three times what they paid for the company two years earlier.
Extensive experience of working with and supporting the independent retail sector; managing activities such as customer, supplier, member and employee activities to bond relationships and deliver commercial success.
A good understanding of boardroom standards and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirement.
