Mark Hopkins Email and Phone Number

Retained as Financial Controller upon merger continuing to manage administration, warehousing and production areas concurrent with financial accountability. Manage all reporting for licenses including the AFL; Wallabies; Socceroos; NRL; and Fremantle Football Club. Rapidly shifted into strategic business survival mode counteracting Covid-19 delay of the AFL season and 70% overnight drop in Burley Sekem sales. Play major role within Sales, empowering the Sales Team through critical insights and providing the tools to be more strategic and effective. Provide high level assistance in managing multiple key accounts including: Best & Less, Lowes and Rebel Sports. Overcame multiple obstacles transitioning Burley Sekem’s Pronto ERP system into Kookaburra’s Sage X3. Transitioning across ~$2M inventory and introduced functionality to the new system. Despite IT challenges in aligning data generated accurate reporting for all Licensors within required timeframes. Assisted in relocation process moving Burley Sekem Melbourne to Kookaburra office and warehouse. Post-merger oversaw the integration of Burley Sekem staff and Burley Sekem brands into Kookaburra. Assisted with Power BI reporting throughout development of new reporting system, ensuring 100% accuracy.

Initially appointed as Financial Controller drove improved business infrastructure and increased business functionality. Performed as IT Manager and delivered behind-schedule installation of new accounting software, Pronto ERP (go live Nov 1998). Developed systems and processes. Provided key input and direction growing the business to $17m delivering consistent profits and dividends. Navigated licensor restructure resulting in reduced sales down to $6.6m before resurgence to $17m sales. Played a pivotal role in the sale and merger of the business to Kookaburra Sports (2019). Jointly established a highly regarded business respected by licensors, achieving status as the longest continuous licensee in the AFL – maintained under Kookaburra Sports despite impact of Covid-19 Liaised with Financial Institutions and insurance brokers, managed foreign exchange portfolio of annual $5m. Achieved transition to digital sublimation printing technology managing shift from 80% local manufacturing to 20% local / 80% imported, one of the first Australian companies to outsource to China. Sourced suppliers in China, India, Pakistan, Spain, Canada, UK and USA, negotiating terms and managing logistics. Supported Production Manager ensuring financial accuracy and gradual transition with minimal impact to staff. Slashed freight costs, ensured on time delivery and stopped product losses. Built strong relationships facilitating fastest possible turnaround for product coming from global suppliers. Downsized and relocated Perth warehouse/manufacturing facility while moving Melbourne’s distribution facility to new 1800 sqm premise including managing lease negotiations and equipment purchases. Developed high level reporting and analysis enabling strategic responsiveness to continuous changes in the market.