Keith Rayson Email & Phone Number

Dubai, Uae

Providing Sales/Marketing Consultancy to companies wishing to improve sales or organisational performance and introducing new companies/product offerings to the market. Also providing consultancy advice and assistance on security projects in various markets. Introducing new suppliers to Joint Venture Partners in the UAE. Currently working on a rescue mission for an FM provider.

Dubai

Formerly known as Advanced Security Engineering, the company was renamed Secutronic following its acquisition by the Saudi owned Secutronic group. Currently handling all operational, project, security system design, sales, business development and general management matters. Clients included Government (police, ports, military), logistics and commercial concerns. Responsible for running the installation and maintenance operations, for site surveys, system designs, costings and sales proposals for security systems.

Responsible for setting up a new shopping centre in Dubai. Carried out viability studies, located suitable tenants, liaised with architects, contractors and government bodies. Located back up warehousing, staff accommodation.

Qatar

Initially tasked with setting up a new white/brown goods retail operation later transferred to run and develop The Centre, then the largest department store in the region. Added new facilities such as an Arabic bakery.

As General Manager I handled the winning of new franchises (Woolworths, Truworths and Jollibee), project managing their new store openings, large scale international staff recruitment/deployment and the integration of new businesses into an existing structure as well as reorganising the wholesale sales operation. Improved gross margins by 30% through improved product range and improving focus on key agencies.

Responsible for setting up a new division after the liberation of Kuwait. Wrote Business and Marketing Plans, Budgets. Recruited staff, organised warehousing, prepared and executed launch of Revlon and other key brands. Designed and oversaw the construction and opening of a prestige perfumery. Arranged beauty consultants training, designed purchasing and invoicing systems.

Riyadh

Responsible for recruiting, training and setting up an 8 man marketing department; conceiving and executing the launch of Revlon and other prestige cosmetics brands in the region. Revlon became the 3rd ranked colour cosmetic brand within 1 year of launch. Other brands handled included Hugo Boss, Fendi, Burberrys watches, Innoxa, Janine Jolicoeur, Helene Curtis, Celsius and Tasnim. In Kuwait, I set up the entire operation including warehousing and a prestige perfumery. I was also responsible for negotiating with prospective principals including Estee Lauder.

Planned promotional support campaigns; negotiated promotional funds from principals; ensured optimum stock availability on key products. Brought stock levels under control to optimise stock-turn rates.

Handled the Sales and Marketing of a range of fmcg brands including Mars, Ross Frozen Foods, Foxs Biscuits, Welcome Foundation, Cussons. Designed and implemented new styles of sales promotion competitions aimed at increasing range width and display retention. Improved salesmen's in-call productivity by 25%.

Handled the Sales, Marketing and Purchasing of a range of fmcg ranges including Rowntrees, Mars, Kraft, Nestle, Associated Biscuits, Ross Frozen Foods. Established a new branch in Sohar.

Various positions starting as a Trainee Buyer in Manchester office, progressing to Nigeria as Product Group Manager and Marketing Manager before becoming Hardware Merchandise Manager handling turnover of £50m pa with 7 directly reporting Product Group Managers and 46 branches. Designed various buying control systems, negotiating with local suppliers, government departments and overseas suppliers. Set up an agricultural development department. Established a new branch in Akure.