Paul Zahra work email
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Paul Zahra personal email
Paul Zahra is an experienced CEO, Non-Executive Director, Chair, Board and Company Advisor and one of Australia’s most influential diversity and sustainability advocates. A leading force in the Australian retail industry for over 40 years, Paul has a passion for the retail community. Paul’s roles have included CEO and Managing Director of David Jones Limited and CEO of the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) as well as senior leadership roles at Target Australia and Officeworks Superstores. Paul has worked across retail, hospitality, personal services, education and the arts. His experience goes across ASX listed companies, private equity, franchising, start-ups, government and not-for-profits. Paul has been previously credited for leading the digital transformation of one of the oldest department stores in the world achieving market-leading momentum, resulting in financial stability for the business during the worst retail conditions in 25 years and leading to its successful company sale at a premium in 2014. Under Paul’s stewardship, David Jones was transformed from a traditional bricks and mortar retailer to a contemporary omni-channel retailer, with modernised in-store systems and technology, resulting in the Company’s average online order rising to three times the value of the average in-store transaction.Paul's tenure at the ARA was marked with record financial performance, setting a strong industry policy agenda. He demonstrated his strong political influence by advocating, supporting and leading the retail industry through covid, the escalation of customer aggression and retail crime and the biggest industrial relations reform in decades- securing reforms to the General Retail Industry Award (GRIA). During this time he significantly advanced the industry's sustainability efforts, and diversity, equity and inclusion outcomes. One of the most exciting achievements was the progression of the amalgamation with the National Retail Association (NRA). This move has created the largest retail body in Australian history, ensuring the new entity can achieve even more for retailers across advocacy, training, sustainability, and beyond.Paul was formally the Chair several Boards including the Pinnacle Foundation, PwC Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and Ambassador for the 30% Club. A strong sense of community, Paul is currently a member of the Board of Wayside, an NFP dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in society. Paul is an alumni of Stanford University, USA and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
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PatronPride In DiversitySydney, Nsw, Au
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Member Board Of DirectorsWayside Chapel Sep 2024 - PresentKings Cross, Nsw, AuWayside Chapel’s Community Services Centre’s (CSC) – one in Kings Cross and one in Bondi – have been providing community services to members of the eastern suburbs since 1964. CSC staff and volunteers work together to provide those of our community who are experiencing homelessness and social isolation with a safe space and vital essentials such as showers and emergency clothing, as well as information and referral services within the Inner City. -
Chief Executive OfficerAustralian Retailers Association Apr 2020 - Dec 2024East Melbourne, Victoria, AuThe Australian Retailers Association is the country's largest and oldest retail association, representing a $430bn sector employing more than 1.4 million people. Our mission is to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for members. -
Business, Economic Development And Covid Recovery Advisory Panel MemberCity Of Sydney Jul 2022 - Nov 2024Sydney, Nsw, AuThis panel’s focus is to provide strategic advice to the City of Sydney to ensure sustained recovery of our economy. This includes advice about building business diversity and economic resilience, developing a strong innovation economy and opportunities to develop a vibrant 24-hour economy and nightlife.The advisory panel includes members highly recognised in relevant professional fields and who have demonstrated experience, seniority and knowledge of economic areas. Their areas of expertise cover trade and investment, attracting talent, the innovation economy, green economy and sustainable finance, creative economy, community wealth building, the night-time economy and the visitor economy.They also advocate to other government agencies, the private sector and relevant peak bodies on key priority economic issues. -
Ambassador30% Club Australia Oct 2020 - Mar 2024Sydney, Nsw, AuThe 30% Club Australia is a collaboration of corporate leaders taking action to increase gender diversity at board and executive levels to a minimum of 30% - the point at which minority voices achieve critical mass and can be heard. We believe that gender balance on boards and executive leadership not only encourages better leadership and governance, but further contributes to better all-round board performance, and ultimately increased corporate performance for companies, employees, stakeholders and the wider communities. Founded in the UK in 2010 and launched in Australia in 2015, the 30% Club operates in geographical chapters across the world, with a global mission to achieve at least 30% representation of all women on all boards and C-suites. Nicola Wakefield-Evans is Chair of the 30% Club Australia chapter and leads a Steering Committee and Working Groups that represent Chairs, non-executive directors, investors, head-hunters, peak bodies and investment bankers. The work of the 30% Club is possible through the commitment and advocacy of valued supporters from around the country in promoting the benefits of diversity at all levels of business -
Founding ChairThe Pinnacle Foundation Feb 2016 - Oct 2021Potts Point, Nsw, AuThe Pinnacle Foundation is a not for profit organisation that has been established to provide scholarships and mentoring to LGBTI youth who are marginalised or disadvantaged. -
Non-Executive DirectorThe Pinnacle Foundation Jun 2015 - Jan 2016Potts Point, Nsw, AuThe Pinnacle Foundation is a not for profit organisation that has been established to provide scholarships and mentoring to LGBTI youth who are marginalised or disadvantaged.
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Founding Chair- Executive ProgramFutureyou Oct 2018 - Apr 2020Sydney, Nsw, AuFutureLeaders has evolved with one mission in mind: to inspire and challenge today’s executives on their journey to becoming tomorrow’s c-suite. The 24-month executive program will arm senior professionals with the insights, instincts, skills and networks required to successfully navigate the constantly changing workplace and often challenging business landscape. Themes covered during the FutureLeaders program reflect the conversations taking place in boardrooms today and what is anticipated to be top of mind tomorrow. FutureLeaders has selected thought leaders and executives across a diverse range of topics who will both challenge and inspire new ways of thinking and working. Each syndicate of no more than 12 senior professionals, from non-competing organisations, meet throughout the year to learn from world-class experts and to share experience, insights and perspectives. -
Non Executive Director And Interim CeoLaser Clinics Australia May 2018 - Apr 2020North Sydney , New South Wales, AuAesthetics Holdings P/L trading as Laser Clinics Australia, Laser Clinics New Zealand and Laser Clinics United Kingdom and Skinstitut is the leading laser hair removal and skin care specialists. I was involved with the due diligence of KKR (Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts) private equity firm’s purchase of CCA in November,2017 and was appointed NED in May, 2018. During this time I also held the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer from November, 2019 for 6 months pending the appointment of a permanent CEO. -
Global Retail AdvisorPaul Zahra Pty. Ltd. Feb 2015 - Apr 2020Advising Companies and Boards in areas including Retail (both traditional and start-ups), Leadership, Transformational Change and Diversity. My biggest client was PwC.
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Chair Of The Board Of DirectorsAustralian Institute Of Music Jan 2019 - Dec 2019The Rocks, New South Wales, AuBuilding on 50 years as an education provider, the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) is Australia’s largest tertiary music institution. Internationally renowned as a leading independent education provider in the music, entertainment and performing arts industries. -
Chair- Diversity And Inclusion Advisory BoardPwc Jan 2016 - Dec 2019GbThe PwC Diversity and Inclusion strategy is based on the Human Rights Commissions/ Male Champion of change. As chair of the PwC Diversity and Inclusion Board, I navigated and assisted management to achieve the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. -
Board MemberPwc Dec 2014 - Dec 2015GbThe PwC Diversity and Inclusion Strategy is based on the Human Rights Commissions/ Male Champion of change four pillars for change - Stepping up as leaders; Creating accountability; Disrupting the status quo; Dismantling barriers for careers. It is designed to: Build credibitly with staff; Show the marketplace PwC are a 'match fit'; Shift partners' and leaders' mindset and behaviours; and Coordinate and enable business relevant change. Delivering on the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy will also improve PwC's results on the newly introduced Global Inclusion Index.
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Advisory Board MemberNexba Pty Ltd Jan 2017 - Sep 2019Sydney, Nsw, AuNexba is a first to market, naturally sugar free beverage company set to take on the traditional beverage makers as it moves from start-up to scale-up. -
Advisor To The Board And ManagementWoolworths Aug 2014 - Nov 2014Cape Town, Western Cape, ZaOn 12 August, 2014 I announced my resignation as CEO and Managing Director of David Jones. The strong financial performance of the business coupled with the strategic initiatives in place maximised the outcome of the acquisition for David Jones shareholders to Woolworths, South Africa. With 97 per cent of David Jones shareholders voting in favour of the acquisition this meant a high level of satisfaction for shareholders. The acquisition created a natural exit point for me in my role as CEO. I stayed on as an advisor until 04 November, 2014 to assist with the Company’s transition under new ownership and management. -
Chief Executive Officer & Managing DirectorDavid Jones Limited Jun 2010 - Aug 2014Docklands, Victoria, AuDuring my tenure as CEO and Managing Director, I successfully navigated the company through the worst retail trading conditions in 25 years, to stabilise the business and achieve in FY2014, the strongest sales growth in seven years.This was also a period of transformation for the business, which saw David Jones evolve from a traditional bricks and mortar retailer to a contemporary Omni Channel Retailer, where the Company’s average online order grew to three times the value of our average in-store transaction value. The structural changes faced by the retail sector were fundamentally addressed; The core business was strengthened; and the store network was enhanced, gaining market-leading momentum. -
Group General Manager- OperationsDavid Jones Limited Feb 2003 - May 2010Docklands, Victoria, AuMy core responsibility was managing the productivity and performance of 8,000 people across the entire network of 38 stores around Australia for all customer facing and operations roles. This included Store Operations; Merchandise Operations: Supply Chain, Logistics, Basic Stock purchases, Visual Merchandising; Human Resource Operations; Work Health and Safety; Business Improvement Program management. During this time, all KPI's were over achieved,
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General Manager- Merchandise, CosmeticsDavid Jones Limited Jul 1999 - Jan 2003Docklands, Victoria, AuMy responsibilities included the Leadership and Management of Sales, Gross Profit, Stock turn and Gross Margin Return on investment for Beauty, the core category of a luxury department store. During this time, I lead the negotiation and launched several brands exclusively to David Jones: Giorgio Armani Beauty, Jo Malone, Sisley and Ella Bache which saw significant year on year sales and profit growth.
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General Manager- Merchandise ServicesDavid Jones Limited Apr 1998 - Jun 1999Docklands, Victoria, AuI was recruited into this role in essence to take the learnings from a new business like Office works and adapt the policies, process and administration for a 160 year old department store. During this time automatic stock replenishment was introduced and processes for new stores and refurbishments were developed for cross functional execution.
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DirectorAustralian National Retailers Association Jun 2010 - Aug 2014The Australian National Retailers Association (ANRA) represents the country's leading retailers. Combined, ANRA members employ over 500,000 people and account for around $110 billion in retail turnover. ANRA seeks to ensure that governments and the community, understand the huge contribution retailing makes to the national economy. ANRA advocates a forward-looking policy agenda to help retailers meet customers' needs including a consumer focused competition policy, a fair tax regime and policies that help promote investment and job creation.
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Chairman'S PanelGreat Barrier Reef Foundation 2011 - 2013Brisbane, Qld, AuThe Chairman’s Panel brings together a respected group of Australia’s leading Chief Executives and Chairs from top Australian and global companies all with an interest in, and commitment to, the Reef. Members of the Chairman’s Panel have the opportunity to engage in a unique education program, visiting the Reef - learning first-hand about its complexity, the threats it faces and how scientists, managers and policy makers are responding. Through the Panel, the Foundation also offers the opportunity for employees and stakeholders of companies involved in the Chairman's Panel to learn about the Reef and the efforts to protect it, participating in initiatives like the ReefBlitz program. Members also lend their personal and organisational expertise to the science we support. The infrastructure, skills and resources of member companies can be invaluable in enhancing the science effort through access to technology, funding, knowledge and hosting network events. -
Business Manager- Merchandise ServicesOfficeworks 1996 - 1998Chadstone, Vic, AuThis was my first role in the world of category killers. I commenced with Officeworks when there was only one store in Richmond. I was head of the Buying Office process and administration, and also headed up the Automatic Stock Replenishment system (ASR), Space management and Logistics. This work set the foundations and placed the company in great shape for major store roll outs and significant growth over the years. -
Store ManagerGeorges, Melbourne Mar 1995 - Nov 1995This was my first role in Luxury Department stores. It was a great apprenticeship into the fun and complex world of department store management. Georges was then owned by David Jones Limited who announced its planned closure during my tenure as the business was not successfully sold. The business turned a profit for the first time in many years during my leadership.
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Store ManagerTarget Australia 1987 - 1995Williams Landing, Victoria, AuDuring this time, Target Australia was the jewel in the Coles Myer crown with significant store roll outs and expansion. I was the youngest Store Manager appointed at the time at the age of 22 years, becoming an ambassador for career and succession planning. My Responsibilities included Sales, Shrinkage Management, Expense Management, Customer Service and Performance Management. In my final years, I continually was on assignment, relieving the Regional Sales Manager and Regional Area Manager during times of annual leave. My final role at Target was as the opening Store Manager of Target Melbourne City.
Paul Zahra Skills
Paul Zahra Education Details
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Stanford University Graduate School Of BusinessGeneral -
Stanford University Graduate School Of BusinessOrganizational Leadership
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Monash UniversityStrategic Planning And Management In Retailing Program
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Swinburne University Of TechnologyBusiness Administration
Frequently Asked Questions about Paul Zahra
What company does Paul Zahra work for?
Paul Zahra works for Pride In Diversity
What is Paul Zahra's role at the current company?
Paul Zahra's current role is Patron.
What is Paul Zahra's email address?
Paul Zahra's email address is pz****@****.com.au
What schools did Paul Zahra attend?
Paul Zahra attended Stanford University Graduate School Of Business, Stanford University Graduate School Of Business, Monash University, Swinburne University Of Technology.
What are some of Paul Zahra's interests?
Paul Zahra has interest in Environment, Poverty Alleviation, Disaster And Humanitarian Relief, Human Rights, Arts And Culture.
What skills is Paul Zahra known for?
Paul Zahra has skills like Retail, Management, Merchandising, Leadership, Store Management, Strategy, Sales, Business Strategy, Visual Merchandising, Fashion, Profit, Marketing Strategy.
Who are Paul Zahra's colleagues?
Paul Zahra's colleagues are Elisabeth Lane, Andrew Georgiou, Nita Mannering, Jess Mayers, Benji Brown, Zachary Lopez, Cb Bonnar.
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