A&M is a leading global professional services firm that provides advisory, business performance improvement and turnaround management services. Companies, investors and government entities around the world turn to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) when conventional approaches are not enough to make change and achieve results. Clients trust A&M to drive results, not just offer advice. We bring experienced leaders and an uncommon sense of urgency to solve the most complex business problems. We drive sustained improvement initiatives at a scale and pace that conventional approaches can’t match. We are focused on successful execution and helping businesses reignite profitable growth, especially in the context of the challenging economies of Europe

Member of the global Retail & Consumer Goods leadership team, delivering transformation across Apparel & Grocery sectors. Areas of focus include Digital & Innovation in Retail, optimizing Brick & Mortar Retail, Operating Model Design and delivery of profitable growth through leading practice Insight Driven Buying, Sourcing & Merchandising.

Working with private, public listed and PE owned companies, I formulate and deliver programmes inspiring and yielding positive change in terms of transformation, turnaround and cost reduction. As an influential Senior Advisor, I deliver objective, experienced based and strategic advice tailored toward elevating performance in the retail sector.Synopsis of Contributions:» Transformation: translate strategic plans and activities into operational solutions to steer companies toward achieving desired business outcomes. » Cost Reduction: Generate profits, whilst reducing operating costs, actualizing an average of £100m in benefits within 12 months » Operational Efficiency: Identified £50m savings in reduction in Cost of Goods for a leading UK retailer, £5m realised within 3 months through new Operating Model and supporting process changes » Turnaround: Position businesses to yield returns of profitable growth.

I had responsibility for all Global retail and wholesale channels, comprised of circa 2600 retail accounts and 10k wholesale accounts, plus Supply Chain, Integrated Business Planning, Real Estate, CRM and S&OP. From the onset, I strove to position the brand as a premier market leader by formulating fresh marketing strategies and campaigns on a local and global level. In the interim, I transformed the Omni channel, integrating traditional buying and supply chain aspects into e-commerce, digital and distribution channels, whilst developing the future operating model. Before exiting my post, the Swarovski family hand-selected me as a member of the strategic direction group, while serving on the core management team and defining loyalty and merchandising excellence programmes. Synopsis of Contributions:» Operating Model and supporting Change Management Model: Developed the global future Operating Model for the Consumer Goods business, as a customer centric model designed to deliver operating efficiencies, bring the business closer to the consumer and position the business for growth across all global regions.» Retail Productivity Improvement Project: Determined potential growth by optimising retail space and comprehensive inventory management. Project produced a 20% increase in sales in China and 14% in Europe with a projected £100m in additional global profits. » Corporate Expansion: Developed the 3yr growth strategy for emerging cities and locations where Swarovski could be the first to market and establish a competitive presence. Swarovski is a luxury retail chain with a reputation for selling crystal jewellery, fashion and home accessories, collections and more.

Over the span of two years in my post as the European Merchandising and Sourcing Director, I led a restructure resulting in optimised operations, vastly boosting productivity. By deploying a centralisation model, I orchestrated the closing of four country offices and distribution centres and the creation of a single, high-performing buying office and distribution centre. During this time, I drove sustainable business growth by expanding the European e-commerce capabilities by devising and implementing a growth strategy for the Advisory Board. In the interim, I managed the full spectrum of buying and merchandising functions ranging from in-season management and control to global sourcing and Czech Republic factory operations.Synopsis of Contributions:» Operating Model: Implemented a new European Operating Model, roles and processes across the 3 European HQs, with supporting change management techniques to embed sustainable change.» Store Closure Programme: Closed and relocated underperforming stores, whilst collaborating with legal and outplacement services during the regulation of circa 500 displaced employees. » Global Merchandising Process & Retail Training Academy: IEducated employees on best practices in shoe development, materials development, quality control and sales optimisation. » Inventory Change Programme: Yielded £100m+ in cash flow and vastly reduced existing stock.Bata Brands is a family owned fashion accessory and footwear manufacturer and retailer known for it’s innovative, high-quality and trend-setting style.

In a drive to expand A&M’s brand outreach within the corporate sector, I lent my support to NED forum discussions and C-level dinners, whilst reinforcing additional, external marketing events. Aside from marketing, I played a vital role in increasing profits as the Senior Director by advising our Asian based team during the management of a project with China’s largest sportswear retailer. This entailed identifying new opportunities to yield cash while expanding our network with key wholesale partners. Synopsis of Contributions: » Wholesale Account Management: Accelerated profitable growth by listening to the owner’s needs and concerns and provisioning advice on how to expand profits in the retail sector.» European Solutions Practice Member: Influenced the development of the retail practice within the European region. Alvarez & Marsal is a leader in providing solutions to complex business challenges, including global leadership and value creation for industries and companies around the globe.

Retail & Consumer consulting specialist working with global retailers on EBIT improvement initiatives.» Leader of the European Merchandising & Planning practice.» Extensive international experience including China, India, Canada and Europe.» Complex programme and project management experience» Significant turnaround and transformation experience

Launched the new Clothing business "TU Clothing" for Sainsburys Supermarkets Ltd.Responsibility for establishing all operations within the business unit.Scope included:» Design, build and implementation of new operating model, organisation and business processes» Oracle Solution design, build and implement» Day to day operational management of the Clothing Business Unit

Delivered new Global Sourcing Model, which became the industry standard for garment sourcing.Merchandising roles for various buying groups in Menswear and Mobile Phones & TechnologyStore retail experience in Leicester & Nottingham