Maral Bal Email & Phone Number

London, Uk/Boston, Ma Usa

➤ Team: 10 Direct & 400+ Total - P&L Management – Rebranding Efforts – Operational Efficiencies➤ Revenue & Profit Growth – Retail Sales and Operations Management – Marketing & PromotionsEarning progressive responsibilities, promotions and a global executive charter, I operated in a turnaround and transformational role, transitioning a retail model to wholesale, eCommerce and liquidation business model. Here, I provide leadership and strategic direction to plan and implement all eCommerce, PR and social marketing strategies.In a highly visible, executive leadership role, I created a well-balanced, diverse, focused team and established retail sales and operations process as the foundation for business success.To increase the impact on target customer, I research, plan and implement new marketing methods and lead special initiatives that create a superior customer experience. Apart from assuming full P&L accountability, I led sales & marketing planning, public relations, social media marketing, hiring & training, retail technology advancement, real estate and retail financial operations. Through a major rebranding effort, I positioned Crabtree & Evelyn as a socially-led, digitally-driven company. With these business transformation efforts, I facilitated lucrative transitions to new markets and created solid internal structures that are both expandable for future growth, and responsive to customer needs. Most importantly, I created customer surprise and delight, conversion to sale, retention and growth.Rebranding impact include: Forecasted outstanding 60% YOY revenue growth | Improved operational efficiencies by 28% Led strategic initiatives, such as implementing a new visual merchandising plan, controlling inventory, etc. Developed direct to consumer brand across multiple channels of expansion in both ecommerce and retail marketplaces.

North America

➤ Team: 15 Direct & 700+ Total - P&L – Retail Sales, Operations and Processes for 165+ stores➤ Purchasing & Inventory Control - Productivity & Efficiency - Client Experience ManagementBeing promoted as the Head of Retail, I optimized brand equity across North America, while guiding, mentoring and leading teams to achieve retail targets and KPI’s. Furthermore, I directed the retail business planning and procurement functions across all US and Canadian company stores and districts.Leveraging advanced retail industry thought leadership abilities, I developed long-term retail sales strategies based on analysis of marketplace, sales trends, and cross functional input that achieve corporate financial goals and stimulate same-store sales growth of the stores.More importantly, I promoted internal and external brand awareness and optimized P&L, serving on the executive leadership team. During challenging rebranding and organizational restructuring times, I effectively and efficiently led and motivated employees to peak performance levels, while spearheading efforts to engage/energize the consumer base. Across the US and Canada, I oversaw real estate portfolios and retail licensee partners in the US and Canada. Additionally, I determined and communicated all operational recommendations, point-of-sales strategies, and fixture needs of products.Maintaining deep understanding of marketplace dynamics, I triumphed in aligning strategies to best support consumer base and maximize growth. Moreover, I adhered to processes to accomplish key tasks, encompassing inventory control, merchandising, and asset protection. SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS: Improved YOY annual revenue growth by 20%. Reduced employee turnover from 75% to 45%.

Canada

➤ Team: 7 Direct & 200+ Total - P&L Management – Retail Sales, Operations and Processes for 44 stores➤ Retail Strategies – Strategic Negotiations – Change Management – Customer Experiences – Cost SavingBy leading sales, marketing, ecommerce, retail, real estate and finance teams, I developed a high-performing, most consistent, scaled, profitable and engaging retail store fleet in Canada. Furthermore, I grew and expanded the retail business through the development of C&E's people, systems and culture.In this role, I assume full responsibility for maintaining standards – including all government, statutory and regulatory norms, maximizing margin potential and identifying and implementing new products and offers, whilst maintaining the highest level of service.Through ROI-focused retail strategies, I succeeded in delivering a world-class retail experience to the customer. Moreover, I led business retail strategy for growth in current markets and expansion into new markets. Overall, I achieved maximum growth potential through timely execution of all company directives and strategies.Most importantly, I drove innovative solutions to improve sales, conversions and customer experience, while identifying and recommending new improvement areas for retail training. Overseeing production of accurate reports, I maintained brand standards and accurate and best cost practice of all stock.SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS: Saved 10% in overheads by evaluating underperforming and loss making stores and later ensuring proper shut down. Strategically negotiated 9 leases saving multi-million dollars in operational costs.

Canada

I was hired to lead three District Managers in Canada overseeing retail sales and operations. In this role, I handled budgeting, wage control and overall store performances, along with resource allocation and store expansion projects. Additionally, I maintained a visible presence at the store, role modeling the selling process, personally interacting with customers and positively impacting the sales process, ensuring the Company’s brand is properly represented. Moreover, I spearheaded efforts to develop and implement sales plans to create a culture of accountability and to ensure a continued focus on sales performance and other goal attainment. I am credited with driving programs that increased all KPIs including conversion rates, average sales, productivity, as well as shrink.Here, I also performed comprehensive market research and devised effective retail strategies to identify and maximize opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability.Furthermore, I contests and bonus structures to help motivate managers and sales associates. I operated as an effective liaison and efficient collaborator between the Head Office and the work force, while share and incorporating best work practices from different markets.Overall, I drove smooth retail operations at multiple locations, through standardizing processes, establishing parameters for customer service excellence, and execute strategies to elevate productivity and efficiency of staff.

Quebec, Canada

In this role, I administered monthly, quarterly and annual budgets in alignment with the location and volume of the store. Furthermore, I coached, guided and mentored District Managers, while overseeing buying, distribution and replenishment.Most importantly, I accomplished organizational objectives, through strategic retail sales planning and forecasting, executing initiatives, empowering leaders and harnessing profit driven talents.During my tenure, I led the sales function with a focus on building long-term, value-based customer relationships that enable achievement of sales objectives.Additionally, I championed leadership development and workforce planning priorities by assessing, selecting, retaining and developing diverse, high-caliber talent that can strengthen the leadership bench for the future.

Quebec, Canada

As a versatile trainer, I planned and implemented programs to increase conversion rates, average sale and productivity. Additionally, I managed sales, margins and expenses to successfully achieve the store’s budget contribution market margin.Leveraging analytical abilities, I evaluated sales, productivity, contribution and employee grading reports. Furthermore, I also managed troubleshooting and issue resolutions.Overall, I serve as a tireless advocate of continuous improvement throughout the company, including working to improve operational procedures/processes on an ongoing basis, share best practices, and create new, innovative ways to meet strategic objectives.

Montreal, Canada Area

With full accountability to oversee sales, marketing and client relations, I promoted, marketed and sold company products valued at multi-million dollars. By leading a sales force of 60 to 80 people across the nation, I ensured visible revenue and profit growth.By providing sales and marketing leadership, I delivered strong and sustainable revenue and profit growth, led strategic planning and execution of initiatives and established a strong brand value.Through rewarding programs, strategies, and sales tools, I enabled greater team efficiency and effectiveness. Moreover, I managed long-range planning, market research, budgeting, pricing, and forecasting.

Montreal, Canada Area

Owner-Operator for a maternity wear retail store managing all daily operations including sales, budgets, recruitment, and administrative functions.