Chris Gray work email
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Chris Gray personal email
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I think I’m qualified to help corporates or SMEs be their best! Pretty big claim … but I think I’ve earned the right to say this! Read on …(BTW, my real passion is helping people and businesses be their best!)I climbed the corporate ladder to MD level of a $200m multi-national based in Sydney. Came back home to NZ, tried a corporate role in a different industry that ended up not to be so aligned to my values … so started up a retail business with my favourite human (wife). This has been super successful, so we’ve realised some value from it and sold it!Through all this, I’ve developed a heap of skills that might help others:1. Strategy is the beating heart of all business success. Being able to step outside a business and understand what it’s trying to be, what problem it is trying to solve, how it fits in it’s world.2. Treat all Customers like you would like to be treated … it’s not hard to make them feel a little special!3. Define your Community and market to it with authenticity! Make your message and offer sing the same tune!4. Everything in the Back office has to work hand & glove to support the business strategy. Eliminate or change what doesn’t.Let me give you an example of these. We started a Toy store … 37 steps from the biggest Toy Seller in NZ! Our tag line was Biggest Brands (we carried all the key toy brands kids want), Widest Range (so many different toys, games, art & craft items to pick from - far more choice than the “biggest Toy Seller”!), Personal Service (you could talk to a human about what you were looking for!). We supported as many Pre-Schools and Primary Schools as we could with product donations for their events - this was our exact target market! Our social media comms were personally curated videos - designed to show we were the Toy Experts. Don’t think about going somewhere else, come see us!And we built the 3rd biggest Toyworld in NZ! Wildly profitable, very sellable.Corporate learnings made into a small business success. Oh, and sprinkle a decent dose of Hard Work!So I think I’m qualified to help corporates or SMEs be their best! Call me on 021-592-570 or email me at chris9gray@gmail.com if you think I could help you! We’ll work out how!
Freelance
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Independent ConsultantFreelanceAuckland, Nz
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Improving GolferFreelance May 2024 - Present
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Small Business OwnerToyworld New Zealand Sep 2019 - May 2024Glenfield, AucklandOwner & Operator of a retail store within a Mall location; start-up small business; designed and implemented retail layout from blank canvas, focusing on core points of difference of "Brands" and "Service". Key learnings:"Every business leader needs to get close to their end consumers. Knowledge through doing equals power.""Small business operators are "6 Execs in 1 body" ... MD, HR Director, Finance Director, Operations Director, Sales Director, Marketing Director""Genuine authentic service is easy ... but extremely rare. Lifetime value of a customer concept on a local daily scale." -
Senior AssociateMycareerbrand.Net: Job Search Strategy And Acquisition Mar 2019 - Jun 2020Auckland, New ZealandMyCareerBrand’s subject matter expert in helping executives successfully transition into a new role or moving through change. This is achieved through a specialised on-boarding process and underpinned by personalised coaching.I have significant corporate experience, having risen through sales management roles to become Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand for a global company. Through my senior leadership learnings, I am able to develop ‘real’ empathy with the demands of today’s senior executive, helping them succeed within a new role.“It’s great that you've successfully land the new role ... But it's not enough to ‘hope’ for success. The expectation from all angles is high. Planning and preparation ahead of day one, and then on-going review and coaching once you’ve started are the keys to delivering against the expectation.”Based on the knowledge I have gained in recruitment and on-boarding practices, the MyCareerBrand team and I have developed specialised tools and a step-by-step process to make the transition into a new role/business successful – and most importantly, adapting to the needs of all stakeholders. On-going customised executive coaching ensures the executive has the support to face the inevitable challenges that leading a business brings.“The job description never includes the realities of starting a senior leadership role: restructuring, change management, managing upwards, transforming a culture and turning around a result. It also never prepares you for the isolation and loneliness the tough decisions bring. I’ve faced into these myself, so I come from a very knowledgeable and supportive position to help leaders navigate these times.”My 35+ years of corporate experience at all levels, and my down to earth practical style, make me a strong partner to help executives succeed in their new role.Specialist Areas:• On-Boarding and new role transitioning• Career Progression• Executive Coachingm: +64 21 592 570 -
Business Unit HeadThe Better Drinks Co Jul 2017 - Jan 2019Parnell, AucklandSince way back in 1999, when we started out as Charlie’s, we’ve been making and marketing a whole range of premium, Not From Concentrate and Organic drinks under the Charlie's and Phoenix brands. We’re based in Auckland, New Zealand and have production sites in Henderson, Auckland and in Renmark, South Australia. Check us out at www.betterdrinks.co.nz.
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Managing Director Australia And New ZealandHasbro Australia Ltd Sep 2012 - May 2017Sydney, AustraliaHasbro Australia Limited is a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ listed under “HAS”), and is one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading play and entertainment companies. It operates in toys and games, content development (including television programming), motion pictures, digital gaming and consumer products licensing programmes. It’s most famous brands are Nerf, Monopoly, Transformers, My Little Pony, Play-Doh, Magic: The Gathering, Star Wars, Marvel and Disney Princess. The ANZ business has trading offices in Sydney and Auckland, employing 85+ staff, with turnover fitting into the broad category between $150m and $250m. In Australia, Hasbro is #3 in the Toy/Game sector with 12% share (NPD, Dec-16), with Discount Department Stores (Kmart, Big W, Target) accounting for >70% of revenues. Responsibilities:▪ Lead ANZ operations▪ Develop and implement Annual Operating Plan and 5-year Strategic Plan for ANZ▪ Improve operational performance▪ Oversee all legal aspects of the company’s activities▪ Optimise business structures, engagement and cultureAchievements:▪ Grew EBIT to greater than 17% of net revenues; grew revenues by +23% over 4 years; grew market share by +2 basis points▪ Designed and led leadership team restructure▪ Led 2 key change projects to lift operational performance: (1) moved from own distribution centre to a 3rd party logistics provider; (2) design and implementation of new Sales and Operations Planning disciplines▪ Created and implemented annual process for Strategic Planning in ANZ▪ Member of Asia Pacific Leadership Group that developed APAC’s “One Region” strategic plan▪ Improved team and employer brand engagement score from 61% to 65% in 18 months▪ Negotiated new office lease with a 10-year face-rent saving of $1m(More details are available in my CV ... email me at chrisrgray99@gmail.com for a copy)
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General ManagerHasbro New Zealand Sep 2008 - Aug 2012Auckland, New ZealandResponsibilities▪ Lead NZ operations: optimize business revenues, customer and distribution strategies, staff & customer satisfaction, and ensure regulatory compliance▪ Ensure optimal deployment of human and financial resources in NZ business unit▪ Oversee all legal aspects of the company’s activities▪ Represented NZ on ANZ Leadership Team and across APAC regionAchievements▪ Grew NZ revenues by +20% over 4 years▪ Grew NZ operating profit % of revenue from 7% to 14% over 4 years▪ Restructured NZ Marketing team to Trade Marketing organisation; supported Marketing becoming an ANZ structure▪ Refocused resources around largest Customer opportunities -
Sales Manager/DirectorHasbro New Zealand Sep 2001 - Aug 2008Auckland, New ZealandResponsibilities▪ Deliver revenue and profit targets across NZ Customer base▪ Devise Customer trading strategies to achieve budgeted revenues▪ Negotiate Customer trading terms and manage trade spend within budgeted guidelines▪ Manage Sales team structure and resource within planned levels to deliver optimal business revenue Achievements▪ Grew NZ revenues by +50% over 7 years▪ Directly managed The Warehouse account; nominated for Supplier of the Year in 2007▪ Strategically grew tier 2 accounts by +40% to reduce reliance on largest Customer▪ Restructured Sales team around major and developing channel strategy
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National Sales ManagerJohn Sands 1999 - 2001Auckland, New ZealandJohn Sands is a printer and publisher of greeting cards, gift wrap and stationery in Australia and New Zealand. The NZ operation had a fully separated P&L, reporting into the Australian business unit. John Sands is fully owned by Cleveland, Ohio based American Greetings.Responsibilities▪ Achievement of revenue targets across all Customer segments▪ Growing distribution channels – retaining existing Customers, winning new business▪ Managed and led 3 Key Account Managers and 3 Regional Field Managers Achievements▪ In 2½ years, never lost a competitive tender/pitch▪ Appointed lead supplier broker for lucrative Whitcoulls integrated card offering▪ Gained The Warehouse and Warehouse Stationery business -
Sales & Marketing ManagerThos Holdsworth & Sons Ltd 1993 - 1999Auckland, New ZealandThos Holdsworth & Sons Ltd, a family owned business based in Auckland, NZ, is a manufacturer, importer, and distributor of jigsaw puzzles, board games, and toys in NZ. Best known for Holdson Jigsaw Puzzles, also distributing leading toy brands such as Sylvanian Families, Playmobil, Airfix and Humbrol.This is where I made my transition from Retail Buyer to lead a Sales and Marketing team. I led an established field Sales team, personally partnered with all major retail accounts to develop product ranging, and collaborated with the Managing Director to build the company's brand portfolio.
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Retail BuyerLd Nathan Variety (Woolworths, Then Deka) 1983 - 1993Auckland, New ZealandI started my career with LD Nathan Variety as a Merchandise Assistant in Softgoods. I was quickly promoted to Retail Buyer for Boyswear and Women's Hosiery. LDN transitioned to DEKA, a retailer of 90 stores across NZ. I was responsible for portfolios in Childrenswear, Stationery and Toys during my 10 years there, responsible for circa $30m in retail sales. I gained invaluable insights in areas of product ranging, retail pricing and merchandising, as well as being exposed to the selling/marketing practices of global multinational businesses.
Chris Gray Skills
Chris Gray Education Details
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Auckland UniversityDiploma Of Business Studies (Marketing) -
Westlake Boys High School
Frequently Asked Questions about Chris Gray
What company does Chris Gray work for?
Chris Gray works for Freelance
What is Chris Gray's role at the current company?
Chris Gray's current role is Independent Consultant.
What is Chris Gray's email address?
Chris Gray's email address is ch****@****ail.com
What schools did Chris Gray attend?
Chris Gray attended Auckland University, Westlake Boys High School.
What skills is Chris Gray known for?
Chris Gray has skills like Management, Marketing Management, Sales, Marketing Strategy, Leadership, Brand Management, Strategy, Retail, P&l Management, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Consumer Products, Account Management.
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