Varun Sharma Email & Phone Number

Boston

We are seasoned corporate executives with over 25 years of expertise in launching, managing, and establishing beauty brands across both emerging and well-established economies. Our areas of specialization encompass global distribution, business development, securing distribution rights for top global retailers, and providing advisory services. We operate in diverse markets, including Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East.Our portfolio includes collaboration with 60 prominent global beauty brands and partnerships with 10 major distributors and retailers across various emerging markets. We have successfully established a presence in key regions such as Indian subcontinent, South East Asia, and the GCC. Furthermore, we boast access to a network of representation spanning 5,000 touchpoints across Asia and the GCC. These touchpoints encompass department stores, multi-brand specialty retail outlets, pharmacy retail chains, exclusive brand retail stores, and travel retail, each catering to different market segments.

Greater New York City Area

With a career spanning over two decades, I have a wealth of experience in successfully launching and establishing brands such as The Body Shop, Converse, Puma, Planet Sports, Sprandi, Vans, Skechers, and more. Presently, I am a Principal and subject matter expert in Emerging Markets and North America at WWMM Pro Inc.Our team at Worldwide Marketing & Merchandising collectively boasts over 50 years of demonstrable success in profitably building global brands within the international business landscape, with a primary focus on Fashion, Apparel, Footwear, and Accessories sectors. Our expertise encompasses international distribution, strategic planning, business development, and operations, as well as overseeing product development, merchandising, product sourcing, and supply chain management. Notably, we possess a strong core proficiency in launching and positioning brands and companies in key markets across the United States, Asia, and Latin America.In addition to our corporate roles, I serve as an advisory board member to several organizations and startups, providing valuable insights and guidance.

Greater Boston Area

With over 25 years of experience, and collectively much, much more, The Kier Group, LLC is more than your average brand-building, sales and marketing company for products and service oriented companies in the beauty, natural/organic and health supplements arena. We are more than a group of seasoned executives who banded together to help brands and companies bring their visions to light.We are your strategic business resource to assist you in getting your new business on the right path and/or help fill in the voids in your existing business.

Greater Boston Area; United States

New Delhi Area, India

I led a team of six Department Heads, overseeing Operations, Merchandising, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, Retail Merchandising, and Training. In this role, I had full P&L responsibility, as well as brand management and strategy duties. Additionally, I indirectly managed 30 head office executives and supervised a workforce of 450 individuals across more than 140 retail stores.Notable accomplishments during my tenure include:Consistently recognized as the best-performing business unit in the Asia Pacific region for six consecutive years (2010-2015).Recipient of the Best Health & Beauty Retailer Award in the Asia Pacific forum in 2010 and recognized as the Best Value-Driven Business Unit in the Asia Pacific region from 2011 to 2014.Received three awards and achieved the position of the third-best cosmetic brand in India according to ELLE magazine in 2015.Ranked in the top five for total growth among emerging nations worldwide for The Body Shop, consistently exceeding sales budgets for five consecutive years. Achieved the highest growth rate in the Asia Pacific region and ranked third globally.Developed and executed successful strategies to outperform competitors, including PR, EPR, digital and social marketing, brand advocacy, and CRM programs.Led planning and management of new product launches and identified growth opportunities through in-depth analysis of category hierarchies, resulting in higher profitability.Pioneered the initiation of the Ecommerce business in India, achieving profitability within the first year of operations.These achievements underscore my ability to drive exceptional results through strategic leadership and innovation.

Gurgaon, India

I was a key member of the initial team entrusted with launching Bharti-Walmart retail concepts in India. My responsibilities encompassed managing the buying and merchandising functions for soft lines, cultivating new business opportunities, nurturing talent development, and overseeing the footwear business, which included three associates.My achievements in this role include:Surpassing sales targets in the fiscal year 2008-2009 and meeting targets in the fiscal year 2009-2010.Implementing strategies to enhance store efficiencies, streamline seasonal planning, and emphasize Everyday Low Price (EDLP) and Everyday Low Cost (EDLC) principles.Successfully introducing Faded Glory and George as private label brands in the Indian market.Notable Recognition:I was honored with the "Best Buyer" award in March 2009.I received commendation from the Walmart corporate office in Bentonville, Arkansas for my role in launching environmentally-friendly products within the category, earning critical acclaim for this initiative.These accomplishments highlight my ability to drive results, optimize operations, and introduce innovative strategies that contribute to the success of the organization.

Gurgaon, India

I held comprehensive P&L responsibility for the Retail Sports Division in India, overseeing sales and revenue targets. My leadership extended to a team consisting of three regional operations managers and 45 store managers.During my tenure, I accomplished the following:Achieved an impressive overall growth rate of 75%.Attained a remarkable year-over-year growth rate of 26% in comparable stores.Devised a successful franchisee strategy and facilitated the launch of factory retail concept stores, further expanding the division's reach and impact.These achievements underline my ability to drive substantial growth and strategic initiatives within the retail sports sector.

Gurgaon, India

Gurgaon, India

I held a pivotal role in overseeing the entire footwear business in India, encompassing responsibilities in Merchandising, Buying, and Business Development.Key accomplishments in this role include:Spearheading the brand's successful entry into the Indian market from its conceptualization phase. This included developing line plans, establishing pricing strategies, and managing sourcing operations for the brand.Guiding the brand to achieve recognition as one of the top 10 athletic and lifestyle international brands in India.

Gurgaon, India

● Launched Converse and Puma in India. ● Created overall strategy for brand launch including line plans, sourcing, pricing, Unique selling strategies, brand positioning. ● Conducted road shows, merchandise displays & events, key account sales & set-ups till the overall successful launch of the brands. Also was instrumental in buying & merchandising Skechers, Teva & Royal elastic.

Gurgaon, India

PSi is a focused, client-centered consulting firm. PSi has helped a wide range of investors and corporations in investing in new ventures in India.● Negotiated with international buyers, maintained vendor base, and resolved problem orders in timely fashion.

Business & Management, Market Analysis & Segmentation, Beachhead Market Analysis, End User Profiling & Customer Persona

Advanced Leadership Development

Workshop On High Impact Presentations

Certification On Smart Merchant Academy Of Retail Training

Export Management, International Business/Trade/Commerce, A

Trained In Rubber Technology, Footwear

Footwear Technology, Noida

Mechanical Engineering, Delhi