Stephen Francis

Stephen Francis Email and Phone Number

Head of Customer Experience, Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Director @ Shleep.co
Stephen Francis's Location
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, Australia
Stephen Francis's Contact Details

Stephen Francis work email

Stephen Francis personal email

About Stephen Francis

OVERVIEWI’m a seasoned international senior business executive with expertise in the luxury goods sector working in globally renowned blue chip and local niche companies across a range of product categories with demonstrable high impactWith broad experience across business functions, I identify opportunities and deliver powerful results by building robust, collaborative relationships internally and externally, engaging and revitalising the entire organisation. An authentic and compelling leader with an holistic mindset, I optimise financial performance by initiating projects and championing strategies that drive sales through a customer centric approach delivering sustained growth.I deepen capability and increase engagement across the business, building high performance teams.• Experienced leader with international brands as Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Director, General, Country, Regional and Sales Manager, Australia & Middle East• Financial, strategic, operational & full commercial accountability, with end-to-end business and P&L responsibility• Achieve immediate, sustained, revenue & GP increase with positive P&L impact• Achieved 180-degree business turnaround, record profits• Experienced with transformational infrastructure, organisational development & CAPEX projects, leading international and culturally diverse project teams in complex business matricesKEY ASSETSDirector GM and C-level leader with track record of delivering financial success and major change initiatives, who as an inspirational and highly empathetic leader quickly establishes trust and credibility Strong luxury expertise and success at driving sales and customer experience by executing companywide strategies and activations that deliver strong results, and deepen capability for sustained growth and organisational developmentOutstanding communicator and enthusiastic relationship builder with proven ability to get cut through, and energetically drives strategy through initiating and driving transformational programsInstinctive understanding of brand, people, and customer experience

Stephen Francis's Current Company Details
Shleep.co

Shleep.Co

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Head of Customer Experience, Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Director
Stephen Francis Work Experience Details
  • Shleep.Co
    Head Of Customer Experience
    Shleep.Co Jan 2023 - Present
    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
    Shleep Co. specialises in ultra luxury bedding, sleep and leisurewear in the finest Australian merino cool wool, and is a world-first in sleep wellness and health https://www.shleep.co/au/I was specifically engaged to grow the business by introducing new leads particularly in the Middle East, and also internationally, leveraging my network and deep expertise in luxury.Role elevated and expanded to Head of Customer Experience to ensure an exemplary end to end luxury experience across all international sales channels incl E-commerce and B2B, to drive sales, building the brand, supporting global expansion• Optimise and build capability to deliver a luxury customer experience• Sales, merchandise, operations and end to end order fulfillment and after sales for an international sales and distribution network across the UK, Hong Kong, Australia and other markets as they establish• Sales, business development, wholesale and account management for the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Australia, across B2B and B2C channels with retailers, hotels, VIP sales and other distribution opportunities• Independent contractor consultant role additionally engaged with advising on strategy and business planning, leveraging my deep, broad experience locally and internationally across the luxury goods sector Achievements:• Role elevated 04/2024 to Head of Customer Experience spearheading luxury CX across the business • Introduced major business opportunities with Al Shaya Kuwait (Debenhams, Harvey Nichols), Al Tayer UAE (Bloomingdale's, Harvey Nichols), Zulal by Chiva-Som Qatar, The Four Seasons Bali, The Four Seasons Sydney, DFS T Galleria Oceania
  • Lyons Gallery
    Chief Commercial Officer Commercial Director
    Lyons Gallery Jan 2022 - Nov 2022
    Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
    Lyons Gallery is Australia’s leading gallery for exclusive blue chip fine art photography and contemporary pop artwww.thelyonsgallery.comI was hired to very rapidly grow the business 500% in 12 months through top line sales and accelerating expansion of the network, specifically leveraging my deep expertise in luxury, building capability and executing companywide initiatives to drive sales to finance highly ambitious expansionAchievements: • Promoted to Chief Commercial Officer• Increase top line 19% in first 6 months and maintained +10% month to month on PY through sales management, sales events, exhibitions, product and sales training, team engagement, marketing initiatives• Increase and maintained gross margin +5% in first 6 months through disciplined sales management • Executed 10 partner and gallery client events spending approx. $14K delivering $231K in incremental sales and increasing lead opportunities incl a $60K client• Secured 3 new corporate partners incl one international within first 6 months • Opened and fitted out new gallery space at the 5-star Sheraton Sydney Hyde Park on time and on budget*Redundancy – Across the business including senior management and sales teamRole:• National role accountable for all national and international sales channels including gallery sales, online direct sales, corporate sales, and commercial partnerships• 13 direct reports incl partnerships director, corporate sales director, online direct sales lead, state head of sales, marketing and communications manager, gallery sales teams• Report to CEO
  • Self-Employed
    Director, Retail Advisory
    Self-Employed Jun 2019 - Dec 2021
    Dubai, Uae And Melbourne, Australia
    Consulting and advisory, bringing my deep passion and understanding of luxury sales, operations and special projects to deliver outstanding sales and customer experienceProjects:• VIP and B2B sales partnering with Gemset Gems DMCC, Dubai, UAE • Advise Gemset Gems DMCC, Dubai UAE on luxury btq fit out at Emaar Properties• Develop business recommendations for presentation to major local high street fashion, luxury jewellery & watch brands • Guest content RMIT University Melbourne, Australia for consumer marketing lectures series addressing topics of channels of distribution & brand, and retail disruption due to e-comm & COVID19• Mentoring through UNSW Sydney, Australia, for start-up EcoFoodly, a smart phone app connecting grocery retailers and past date food to end users, focusing on customer segmentation, marketing, BD, business model, pitch content, presentation delivery and storytelling *Returned safely to Australia from the UAE mid global pandemic. Carer for elderly parents.
  • Damas Jewellery Llc
    Regional Manager-Luxury Division (Graff, Mikimoto, Faberge, Folli Follie)
    Damas Jewellery Llc Jan 2018 - Jun 2019
    Dubai, Uae
    I was hired by the CEO, Retail & HR Directors whom I reported to as JV partners when General Manager of Paspaley to replicate known success and lead the critical, high-profile luxury division and flag ship brands of Damas JewelleryAchievements: • Increased Q1 GP +4% in highly challenged market through strategic sales & operations focus, commercial discipline• Achieved +109% Q2-Q4 budget in a highly challenged economy• Delivered $AU2m and $AU1.8m sales month end Jan and March to achieve month budget, closing deficit for and revitalising entire Middle East retail division• Achieved Dec 3300% ROI, investing $AU20K Graff VVIP client sales event generating $AU700K in immediate sales• Q1 achieved 57% of total annual loose diamond sales Dubai Mall Btq flagship through merchandise optimisation• Corporate Sales Achieved GP target of in excess of 50% across all deals• Major CAPEX and organisational development projects: including multiple successful major store refits and openings, transformational recruitment and training programsRole:• Regional Retail General Manager role: AUD64m retail and corporate sales portfolio• Culturally diverse team of approx. 105 including senior Area Sales Manager and Corporate Sales Manager reports• Diverse segment of 18 mono & multi-branded btqs 450-3300 sq. ft. in major flagship malls and luxury hotels• Mono-branded boutiques included Graff Diamonds, Mikimoto, Faberge, Folli FollieRemit included multi-branded Damas luxury flagship btqs and some mid-level fine fashion jewellery btqs • Report to Retail Director/Head of Retail
  • Van Laack Aust Pty Ltd Tiffany & Co
    Regional Retail Operations & Sales Manager
    Van Laack Aust Pty Ltd Tiffany & Co Jun 2014 - Aug 2016
    Melbourne, Australia
    I was hired to bring my international luxury expertise to augment sales, operations and in store customer experience, and build capability across sales teams, joining specifically for senior director level roles that did not eventuate• Roles as Regional Retail Operations Manager, Victoria and Western Australia and Sales Manager while completing MBA studies: Van Laack (Herringbone) Australia Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Australia and Tiffany & Company, Melbourne, Australia.• Completed Executive MBA after multiple live-in residential intensives in Sydney, Australia.Achievements:• Achieved 3600% ROI Implemented groundbreaking self-service jewellery styling bar• Increased key CRM metrics from 2% to 38% over 4 months: identified training gaps, re-developed & delivered CRM • ROI 2450% investment to sales; merchandise & sales planning of major Chinese New Year event• Achieved 25% sales growth to budget through team and client engagement and timely inventory delivery• Achieved wages 3% under budget through strong wage control, staff allocation
  • Paspaley
    General Manager - Uae
    Paspaley Jan 2010 - Jan 2014
    Dubai Uae
    I was hired by Paspaley specifically to revitalise and transform a retail network that after several years of time and investment by JV partners in the Middle East had significantly failed to meet expectationsAchievements:• Promoted to General Manager having achieved 180-degree business turnaround• Achieved annual profit representing 58% of total cumulative profit of previous 6 years • Increased sales +33% over PY; following year sales +14% PY • Increased GP +8%, sustained for 3 ½ years • Increased Dubai Mall flagship btq sales +100% vs. PY • Increased Dubai Mall flagship btq high margin strand sales +100% by units and +80% by sales vs. PY • Opened new duty-free channel with Etihad Airways with initial commitment of USD100K orderMajor CAPEX and organisational development projects:• CAPEX projects – new boutiques and refits leading international project teams achieving sales 400% ROI on events• Saved 15% OTB budget - implemented transformational ERP/PPOS project on time & under budget, transforming and optimising inventory control, financial approvals & store operations• Delivered 4% cost saving in taxes and charges, developed & executed merchandise SOP with international team• Inaugural media tour with 1400% ROI, $AU50K spend delivering estimated $AU700K of media coverage• Delivered “Path to Purchase” training program transforming in-store selling process and reducing complaints by 95%Role:• Financial, strategic and operational accountability, end-to-end business and P&L management; full commercial accountability for the retail network across the UAE based in major malls, hotels and department stores• Report to Paspaley Global Retail General Manager, CEO Damas International, and Board of Directors Paspaley Pearl Jewellery LLC *Returned to Australia to complete Executive MBA final strategic year, which could only be done in Sydney
  • Cartier
    Boutique Director
    Cartier Jul 2007 - Dec 2009
    Sydney, Australia
    I was hired to drive sales and revitalise the business, particularly finding new clients through partnerships, and championing international training programs to deliver exemplary customer service as part of global strategyAchievements:• Promoted to Sydney Flagship Boutique• Achieved YOY sales growth ranging from 17%-23% total sales during GFC• Achieved 100% sales increase jewellery watches at DFS travel retail • Achieved 5:1 ratio ROI to spend in business development with Crown Casino, Taronga Zoo• Achieved Cartier client service scores consistently rated #1 regionally, Top 5 internationally as program advocate and close coach partnership *Head-hunted for role of Regional (Country) Manager of Paspaley
  • Pwc And Various
    Early Career Accountant Sales And Operations Management
    Pwc And Various Jan 1995 - Jan 2005
    Melbourne, Sydney, Australia
    -Sales and operations management roles | Local Australian businesses with international luxury furniture brands and premium fashion | Pursued a professional acting career | Accountant with PwC in the manufacturing audit division.

Stephen Francis Skills

Luxury Goods Retail Leadership Merchandising Brand Management Marketing Management Strategy Fashion Forecasting Crm Business Planning P&l Financial Management Organisational Engagement Sales Brand Development Operations Management General Management Jewellery Apparel Training Delivery Travel Retail Holistic Management Outlook Capital Works Management Project Management Lease Negotiation Jewelry

Stephen Francis Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Francis

What company does Stephen Francis work for?

Stephen Francis works for Shleep.co

What is Stephen Francis's role at the current company?

Stephen Francis's current role is Head of Customer Experience, Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial Director.

What is Stephen Francis's email address?

Stephen Francis's email address is st****@****ery.com

What schools did Stephen Francis attend?

Stephen Francis attended Agsm @ Unsw Business School, Monash University, Waapa - Western Australian Academy Of Performing Arts @ Edith Cowan University, Wesley College.

What are some of Stephen Francis's interests?

Stephen Francis has interest in Social Services, Economic Empowerment, Education, Poverty Alleviation, Health.

What skills is Stephen Francis known for?

Stephen Francis has skills like Luxury Goods, Retail, Leadership, Merchandising, Brand Management, Marketing, Management, Strategy, Fashion, Forecasting, Crm, Business Planning.

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