Craig Russell Mba, Phd. Email & Phone Number

Dunfermline, Gb

United Kingdom

Detroit, Michigan, United States

Hartlepool, England, United Kingdom

Manchester, United Kingdom

I was recruited to head up retail and operations at the UK’s largest Automotive.com, responsible for operations along the entire value chain. During this time, I exceeded projections by delivering annual revenue in excess of £1.7 billion as well as delivering double-digit growth every year. Other achievements included  Improving Trustpilot ratings to 5 stars (Excellent) Increasing the branch network by 125% and reducing staff turnover by 75% Reducing product turn time by 50% whilst improving margins Increasing weekly unit acquisitions by 62.5% in 3 years Growing efficiency and effectiveness of operations from 40% to 86% using key metrics Revamping the Marketing Division resulting in a wider reach and a 33% increase in transaction valueMy strategic approach to this turnaround project was to initially analyse, interrogate and benchmark against World-Class Practice. The next phase was to train and develop according to individuals’ strengths and to review Recruitment Criteria in order to upscale the caliber of the workforce. I then designed and implemented a Productivity Measurement System which had an immediate and dramatic effect on performance and I have just finished rolling out the latest technology to improve online traffic and client experience.

Stirling

In this exciting and rewarding career chapter I directed the UK’s largest importer of personal vapour kits. The company portfolio consisted of 63 company, 62 franchised stores and 27 concession stores. By introducing a best practice, lean operating processes and continuous quality improvement and developing a successful corporate product branding strategy, we Improved turnover by 28% (£1.5m), simultaneously realising a 53% drop in customer returns, a saving of £350K. During this time, I headed up rigorous product development initiatives and motivated, developed, measured and improved workforce morale and performance. Ultimately, I negotiated an optimal high value option for sale of the business to United Tobacco Company LLC.

Darwen, Lancashire

In this position I directed General and Executive operations for the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer, controlling 25 direct and 1500 indirect reports. This involved managing e global sales team and increasing sales infrastructure assets. In addition, I developed and implemented strategies to increase market share and revenue, involving radical change management in 113 decorating centres, two factories and three distribution centres.My main focused centred around: Developing key accounts with prestigious contractors and clients Growing stores profit contribution by 296% in 2011 and 136% in 2012  Delivering an 8% market share growth in a recessionary marketIn pursuit of these I nurtured key relationships with clients, financial partners, suppliers and group management and continued to benchmark trends, competitors and latest marketing techniques in the sector

Camberley, Surrey

I was recruited to re-energise a market leader in fully-fitted home improvement products, employing 1300 employees and 1500 independent contractors. I managed to turn around the financial results from -39% budget to +28% actual within 6 months and oversaw a £12m improvement in sales, realising £160m and a 6% gross profit margin. In order to do so I focused on the root causes of under performance and implemented radical changes to processes to address inefficiencies.

Ayrshire

Established 44 franchise outlets for The Bed Shed (owner of 66 UK own brand stores) throughout Europe, making it Europe’s largest bed retailer; transformed the Supply Chain to 90% opening three factories in the Far East.

Sunderland, United Kingdom

A highlight of this period was devising and delivering a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy to meet ambitious expansion plans. Thereafter we achieved rapid and sustainable growth. The scope of expansion encompassed over 86 company and 53 franchise stores.

Alloa Scotland / Barrow In Furness

After completing my apprenticeship I was promoted to an engineering manager at Vickers Shipbuilders and looked after a team of 46 Engineers working on the Trident Submarine Project.

Masters In Business Administration, Retail Sales And Operations

Management Leadership Programme, Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services

Hnc, Hnd, & Phd, Electrical & Mechanical Engineering