Matthew Robertson Email & Phone Number

Sydney, Nsw, Au

Managing Alquemie Group’s licensed brands portfolio with full P&L accountability for LEGO® Stores / eCommerce AU/NZ, National Geographic Apparel, Disney Stores and more.• Manage a growing team of 450+ team members with 7 direct reports delivering revenue in excess of +$140m with strong and growing Operating EBITDA• Have overseen the LEGO® store network more than double over past 2 years (including the recently opened world’s largest LEGO store) as well as building a significant omni-channel business.• In collaboration with Disney, successfully launched National Geographic apparel into the ANZ market with physical stores across three territories and an eCommerce presence - building out buying, product development, store network, digital and supply chain capabilities whilst positioning the brand for growth in the APAC region• Brought the magic of Disney to life through a partnership with Westfield operating concurrent Disney Retail pop-up stores across the east coast.

Sydney, Nsw, Au

Chief Operating Officer, Alquemie Group, a retail brands investment and growth platform.Holding executive operational and P&L oversite over Alquemie Group’s portfolio of brands: SurfStitch, Ginger & Smart as well as LEGO®.• Undertook a supply chain review of Ginger & Smart to deliver efficiencies and significantly improve ROI and CODB• Expanded the LEGO® store portfolio and launched highly successful transactional website during COVID that now accounts for +20% of all revenue and profits• Oversaw project to leverage group rates across multiple touchpoints, negotiating improved contracts and streamlining group support functions to support future growth• Involved in the due diligence and acquisition of the General Pants Group.

WHSmith is a leading global retailer with a presence in over 31 countries, serving customers from over 1,300 stores across the globe. The business employs over 14,000 people and delivers over $2.7 billion sales annually.Reporting to the Managing Director this role held P&L accountability for Buying, Planning, Marketing and Supply Chain for the Australian operation. Charged with growing the business in the Australian market whilst improving profitability and ROI.• Managed a team of 25 with 6 direct reports and a portfolio of over 50 locations across travel locations in Australia (Airports, Rail and Hospital). Revenue in excess of $200m.• Delivered +25% year on year revenue growth across 3 years with the securing of competitive tenders that significantly expanded the footprint of WHS in Australia• Developed key strategic partnerships with leading brands and landlords

Bella Vista, Nsw, Au

Reporting to the Managing Director this role had executive P&L accountability for the general merchandise division of Big W worth +$2 billion in sales. Leading a team of over 80 people with 9 direct reports including Buying Managers, Buyers/Category Managers, Planners and the Merchandise Support function• Successfully developed and delivered a revised CVP and strategic plan in conjunction with the leadership team and consultants to the Woolworths board • Re-engaged team and put in place recruitment strategy to deliver on agreed plan• Delivered and implemented price re-investment strategy that lead to immediate increase in footfall and a highly successful Easter trading period with increase LFL sales

Bella Vista, Nsw, Au

This role held executive accountability for the evolution and implementation of the merchandisestrategy in the Showroom division (Kitchens, Bathrooms, Flooring, White Goods and Appliances).• Lead a team of 30 with 6 direct reports delivering +$500m in annual sales• Delivered market leading kitchen campaign that saw Masters become the largest installer of kitchens in Australia• Secured exclusive vendor and brand relationships through joint business planning and a clearly defined strategy for joint growth

Bella Vista, Nsw, Au

The role was part of the Woolworths / Lowe’s Joint Venture and saw me relocated to the Lowe’s office in the USA to apply insights in global retail management best practice and fully exploit the synergies between both businesses.• Identified and engaged key strategic US vendors which lead to Sherwin Williams (2nd largest paint supplier globally) launching in Australia exclusively with Masters• Leveraged private label synergies between Lowe’s and Masters working cross functionally with local and far east sourcing teams. This lead to +200 point lift in margin• Identified, communicated and translated emerging international trends for the Australian market through developing new line development program

Bella Vista, Nsw, Au

Leading the Commercial buying group with a team of Buying Managers, Buyers, Assistants, Planners and the Merchandise support function this role reported into the COO and had P&L accountability for the buying function• Saw a 50% increase in the size of the buying team over this period and was responsible for all recruitment and the overall engagement of the team• Delivered positive comp growth and +250 point margin improvement• Renegotiated all key strategic trading agreements to improve rate and stock efficiencies

Bella Vista, Nsw, Au

Assumed full accountability for marketing, this role focused on developing and managing a multi-disciplined marketing strategy including full custodianship of marketing and brand management; managed activities from agency pitch through to execution. Disciplines included catalogue, press, radio and outdoor media, online digital, print and distribution, trade marketing, media and photography. My achievements included:• Led the conception, development and successful execution of marketing a unique brand identity ensuring brand integrity and values remained consistently strong store-wide• Created a unique customer experience achieving commercial objectives positioning Masters as a market leading outlet through leading the development of marketing strategiesMy accountabilities included:• Enhance the shopper experience through effective development of the store environment • Develop, execute and manage strategic marketing and brand identity development• Direct the development and management of marketing campaigns covering media and advertising agency management, PR, media, online, outdoor , TV, radio, direct and events• Manage new store opening marketing program and associated launch events• Recruit, develop train and performance manage a team of 12 marketing professionals

Bella Vista, Nsw, Au

Sought out to become a key part of the start-up; operational planning commenced with a white-board and small project management team accountable for all aspects from conception to opening. With ultimate responsibility for marketing, start-up project management accountabilities included scoping core system functionality, developing the operational structure and merchandising.My achievements included:• Sought out to become a key part of the leadership team to project-manage the successful launch of this world class Home Improvement retail operation, spear-heading the creation of new categories and an online shopping experience• Improved data quality ensuring informed decision making around sales performance• Developed streamlined processes to free up skilled resources and improve performance My accountabilities included:• Develop and implement business sourcing, space planning, infrastructure and process strategies• Develop, implement and manage merchandising strategies• Recruit, develop and manage buying and merchandising team to achieve business strategies• Manage data capture and integrity processes

Docklands, Victoria, Au

Accountable for 4 key Buyers, 8 Buying Assistants and 2 Trainee Buyers in designer accessories, sportswear, active wear, underwear, sleepwear and business wear.My achievements included:• Developed and maintained ongoing exclusive relationships in a highly competitive market with international brands to secure the uniqueness and quality of the range• Created a unique branded fit-out for men’s accessories securing vendor support redesigning a disjointed layout to create a streamlined lead offer that is still in place today• Sourced, secured and signed new exclusive deals with menswear brand designers to develop a clear strategy to ensure the store remained ahead of the competition • Led the team that turned-around previously unprofitable business shirt category to develop a strategy to identify key partners and secure ongoing vendor supportMy accountabilities included:• Recruit, train, develop and performance manage buying team to develop strategies that are aligned with range philosophy and brand objectives • Develop and manage the execution of merchandising strategies, range and clearance planning• Manage relationships and contracts with all key suppliers nationally and globally

Sydney, Nsw, Au

My achievements included:• Successfully managed the divisional strategy, range planning, inventory management, transition to direct sourcing and financial planning• Developed and chaired Big W’s first license committee delivering a coordinated approach to licensed properties across the entire Big W business• Managed the design and delivery of Big W’s biggest ever July toy catalogue result which significantly increased Big W’s market share in this segment My accountabilities included:• Manage 7 Buyers and teams of Assistants , Trainees and Order Clerks and a Merchandise Planner

London, Gb

Docklands, Victoria, Au

Mulgrave, Vic, Au

Mulgrave, Vic, Au

B.Com, Accounting & Finance

Education record