Arnold Panagiotopoulos Email & Phone Number

Watford, England, United Kingdom

Global fashion Supply Chain infrastructure platform offering solutions to Brands & Retailers:- Design-Led Sourcing- Sourcing as a Service- Brand Management

Global fashion Supply Chain infrastructure platform offering solutions to Brands & Retailers:- Design-Led Sourcing- Sourcing as a Service- Brand Management

Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

• I have managed a wide range of product categories including Woven Garments (Shirts, Blouses, Dresses, Skirts, Trousers, Tailored), Denim and Non-Denim Pants, Circular Knits (Underwear, Nightwear), Lingerie, Swimwear, Outerwear, Activewear, Legwear, Accessories and Footwear.• I manage a large portfolio. travelling extensively to 13 markets to collaborate with more than 250 Garment & Trims Suppliers and Fabric Mills across Far East and Europe.• I lead multiple high performing sourcing teams of up to 70 people with 11 direct leader reports.Key Achievements:- Implemented new operating model in a new location- Implemented Test & Repeat or Speed models- Implemented Pool Fabrics for replenishment orders- Implemented a Fabric Booking & Liability tool- Implemented 3D model for sampling and quicker decisions- Increased Sustainable fabrics utilization- Lead, Developed & Implemented major projects with external consultants- Drove Supply Chain Management & Strategy- Lead & Empowered a large team of Product Developers, Sourcing & Raw Material Managers- Collaborated with senior colleagues in Buying & DesignSkills: Analytical Skills · Supply Chain Management · Product Development · Communication · Supplier Evaluation · Commercial Awareness · Relationship Building · Social Influence · Team Leadership · Strategic Sourcing · Negotiation · Strategic Leadership

Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Accountable for the following portfolio;Outerwear, Activewear, Woven Swimwear, Tailored Suits, Light Woven Shirts, Blouses, Dresses & Bottoms

Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Accountable for the following portfolios:Footwear, Accessories, Lingerie/Swimwear, Legwear, Woven Shirts/Blouses/Dresses/Skirts, Non-Denim Bottoms & Juvenile Denim. Continue to manage all Woven Fabrics.

Hong Kong Sar

Fully accountable for the following portfolios:Footwear, Accessories, Lingerie/Swimwear, Legwear, Ladies Tailored Woven Shirts/Blouses/Dresses/Skirts, Non-Denim Bottoms & Juvenile Denim. Assumed responsibility for all Trims & Light Woven Fabrics

Hong Kong Sar

Full accountable for the following portfolios:Footwear, Accessories, Lingerie/Swimwear, Legwear & Woven Shirts/Blouses/Dresses/Skirts

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Düsseldorf Area, Germany

Düsseldorf Area, Germany

Executive Manager responsible for actively managing Global Sourcing & Supply Matrix worldwide for Footwear across all Genders for the European markets. I lead teams of Sourcing & Merchandise Managers across 3 Asian sourcing Hub's.Some achievements include:- Grew the Direct Supplier Matrix in order volume.- Rationalised the Suppliers & Factories, to leverage volume & relationship building.- Reduced cost price on strategic volume products.- Implemented a stable supply matrix to manage complete Chrome Free Leather in shoes.- Reduced lead times on core strategic footwear programs.- Added numerous new suppliers that add value to the business.My area of responsibilities & influence include:- Strategically manage the Supply Chain for all Footwear Suppliers- Develope and institute a Global Sourcing Strategy- Manage volume shifts between Indirect and Direct Suppliers leveraging on enhanced Cost Prices- Develope Sustainable Supply solutions, including "total" Chrome Free Leather capability- Manage Mode and Footprint- Develope Quick Response capabilities- Responsible for sustainable Chrome Free Leather initiatives- Manage Key Performance Indicators with Suppliers- Co-Ordinate and Manage Footwear Chemical Testing Standards- Manage Factory compliance and Safety standards

Johannesburg, South Africa

Managed, lead and directed a team of 10 direct sourcing managers and associates to find suitable direct, multi-country vendors both internationally and locally to meet the demands of the various divisions. Developed vendor strategies that delivered on product and quality expectations, as well as the profit margins and on-time delivery performance expectations. Managed and controlled my Cost Centre budgets and expenses. Co-ordinated and assisted in developing and setting standards for the Sourcing office in Shanghai, China.Key Achievements:- Initiated a direct Footwear sourcing strategy and developed the portfolio from inception to 4.8 million units annually (FOB $12.5m), showing a cost savings of 7.2% on COGS. I held strategic responsibility for managing international supplier relationships for the footwear portfolio of 36 Million pairs of shoes and 12 Million pieces of Accessories for all Brands within the Edcon Group.- Initiated a direct Accessories sourcing strategy and developed the portfolio from inception to 1.9 million units a year (FOB $2.1m) showing a cost savings of 8.1% on COGS.- Working with local manufacturers and component suppliers, I initiated and directed a Quick Response and Fast Fashion solution for two of the biggest Footwear silhouettes (Pumps/Ballerina and Beach Sandals). This program went from concept to over 650 000 units a year reducing the lead times from 150 days to 30 days.- Sourced and tested 33 new Global Footwear factories with 15 factories onboarded. In addition, sourced and tested 19 new Global Accessories factories with 9 factories onboard.

Durban, South Africa

Led a team of 5 buyers to spearhead our entry into the sporting market, collaborating closely with international athletes to develop products tailored to their needs. This partnership was pivotal in elevating our in-house brand to become one of the most prominent names in the South African market today. By meticulously analyzing sales trends and customer behaviors across our 940 stores, we identified distinct market segments and devised tailored strategies for each. I drove the innovation behind new product development, constantly seeking out market opportunities to ensure sustainable growth. My role also involved presenting comprehensive management reports to the Board of Directors, offering insights into current purchasing activities and strategic recommendations for the futureI designed & developed footwear for Internationally known elite athletes across various sport disciplines including high profile Road Running (Comrades & Two Oceans marathons), Rugby (Natal Sharks & South Africa), Squash (South Africa) and Cricket (Provincial & South Africa). The Private Labels built such as Maxed, Red, Trail, Wasp and Promaster, are amongst the most well known by South Africans, growing market share and making a substantial impression on the International sports brands. Managed and lead a team of Merchants for the Mr Price Group, one of the leading retailers in South Africa, building and growing a sustainable Private Label in Technical Sports Footwear & Equipment whilst managing International brands. I was responsible for managing a team of buyers and senior buyers across Sports Footwear, Equipment and Accessories. I was involved with this business from inception, building it to a chain of 40 Mr Price Sport stores within the Mr Price Group in very testing market circumstances.

Johannesburg & Durban, South Africa

• Managed retail spaces up to 3500 sqm with a team of 30-50, overseeing recruitment, training, and performance evaluations.• Analyzed product performance, optimized stock levels, and maintained financial oversight.• Built and managed a database of over 2000 loyal customers, facilitated regular communications.• Led planning and execution of the Comrades Expo stand and organized 12 road race watering points.• Collaborated with a professional football team on halftime marketing initiatives, boosting engagement and brand visibility.

Adp - Advanced Leadership Development Programme, Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services

An advanced leadership course for targeted senior leadership. Credits on the International Babson College Course

Certificate, Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services, M+2 (2 Years Tertiary Education)

Credits for: - Marketing - Business Strategy - Operations Management - Industrial Relations - Human Resources - Financial Management.

Springbok Head, Wool Classing, Springbok Head In Wool Classing (Highest Achievement)

Matric (Grades 10 - 12), Agriculture, Academic

Activities and Societies: Young Mens Christian Association Leader - Farm Prefect Member - Junior Farmers Association 2nd Rugby Team 1st.

Grades 8 - 10, Academic

Activities and Societies: Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Athletics, Swimming, Cadets