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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

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.
• 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.
• 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

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

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