I was accountable for the operation of M&Ss 400+ international stores, trading across 40 markets in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, reporting into the International MD.I led operations across three different business models, owned subsidiary, JVs and franchise leading teams in UK, Europe and India. I chaired the boards of our owned and JV business, including India, M&Ss largest market outside of the UK and led the franchise management team in the UK supporting 25+ markets. Key achievements include; • Development of new franchise model to be adopted in key strategic markets to drive growth. Gaining approval from M&S PLC board to rebalance risk and profit distribution to deliver an increase in brand investment from franchise partners. • Restructuring our food business in owned oversea markets to reflect the impact of Brexit. Focusing space and catalogue to create a clear focused range delivering significant improvements in profitability• Working with our partners to improve customer data visibility allowing our teams to respond more effectively to customer demand while supporting partner profitability.

I had the privilege of leading the 51/49 Joint Venture business between Marks & Spencer and Reliance Retail reporting to the board of directors. Responsible for the development and execution of business strategy accelerating growth and transitioning the business from stores only to a full omni channel retailer doubling the size of the business in five years.Key Achievements include;• Developed and led the JV strategy, moving the business from a single to an omni channel retailer with 30% of company revenue being delivered from digital channels in 2022 while accelerating store opens from 40 to 95 stores. Doubling turnover with a 16% CAGR over five years, despite Covid, and doubling profitability to 8%.• Led the M&S JV in India response to Covid including scenario modelling, emergency budgets, revised governance structures and approach to funding, providing clear and consistent communication to both employees and board members. • Delivered a digital change program, re-platforming the business ERP platform and POS systems and delivering a new business website through Salesforce.• Successfully led the movement of 3m single DC in India, increasing capacity while building the capability to enable digital revenue through digital site and marketplaces.• Delivered local sourcing capability in country with 30% of merchandise sourced locally to improve margin through duty optimisation and significantly reduce lead times.• 10% improvement in employee satisfaction moving the business from outside Top 100 to 13th in India “Great Place to Work Awards” within three years.

I was the MD of M&Ss subsidiary business in CEE covering, Czech, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary and the Baltic states. I led the restructure of the business, exiting unprofitable markets and reshaping and growing the remaining business.Key achievements include;• Development and delivery of strategic change program exiting six countries ahead of schedule and budget through extensive negotiations with both landlords and unions. Restructuring the support office to reflect new business size and structure.• Improving profitability by 150bps in 15/16 and 16/17 by driving market leading growth and optimising cost base.• 11% sales growth over two years ahead of market at 4% driven by improved ranging decisions, supported by investment in data insight tools.

Various Store Management Roles - Final appointment in Camberley in October 2009