The Rivoli Group is synonymous with luxury lifestyle retail. Over the last four decades, it has established a wide footprint, serving it's customers across the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain offering a diverse portfolio of over 100 prestigious international brands and an unmatched retail experience. The Group has a major shareholding of the Swatch Group, who is the number one manufacturer of finished watches in the world. From its headquarters in Dubai, the Rivoli Group has swiftly established its reputation as one of the largest importers, distributors and retailers of luxury products with over 300 stores in the region. The Group also manages travel retail in leading regional airports.In over two decades that I have been with the Group, I've transitioned from the start of brand management to a Group Director - Brands. The journey has been enriching and eventful. In the recent 5 years, the highlights of my career are as below.~ Managed a portfolio worth over AED 2 billion in retail sales.~ Currently, based on the pandemic downturn, the portfolio is trending at about 22% over 2020~ Focused on sharp buying to control inventory, whilst maintaining the international collection representation of partner brands.~ Focused on retail events and customer interactions for boosting sales in the post-pandemic years.~ Focused on quality personnel, with the human resource cut-backs in 2020, and optimized their output for maximizing retail opportunities.~ Analysed market trends and competitor activity, adapting strategies to maintain competitive advantage.~ Audited work and customer service processes to identify improvement areas.~ Had P&L control for the boutiques in my portfolio.~ Launched Breitling in Oman, for our Group.~ Assisted with the Rivoli Textiles division, with P&L responsibility.

~ Given charge of the luxury segment; took on brands like Breguet, Blancpain, Glashutte, Harry Winston, Jaquet Droz, Zenith, Jaeger-leCoultre & IWC wef 2015.~ In this period, my brand portfolio was over AED 1.4 billion in retail sales.~ Mandated to focus on sales revenues and stock management. Managed the stock hygiene in terms of sku’s and stock turns. Achieved sales growth of approximately 20%.~ Created customer awareness of goods, services and special promotions with creative advertising strategies. Liaised with stakeholders to identify key sales objectives and devise strategies to achieve goals.~ Administered marketing budget, optimizing spend across channels for efficient resource allocation. Spearheaded brand strategy development, aligning with company objectives and market demands for enhanced brand recognition.~ Managed a team of 5 personnel at the HO, in addition to over 60 staff at the retail level.~ Opened Longines boutiques and a Blancpain boutique, across UAE, Qatar & Bahrain.~ Met with the Brand business heads at the annual watch fair in Switzerland and at their HQ’s, other than their visits to the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman.

~ Given charge of the Swiss brands in the entry to the luxury segment, like Longines, TAG Heuer, Gucci, Rado, Tissot, etc.~ Achieved sales growth of over three times. In this period, my brand portfolio was over AED 1.7 billion in retail sales~ Managed the retail operations for the Rivoli stores and mono-brand boutiques (about 80 in all) in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman.~ In 2014, the Rivoli Group became the sole agent for Swatch Group brands below Longines, in UAE, Qatar, Bahrain & Oman. Based on the above, I was mandated to deliver on key objectives.~ Led strategic planning sessions to define company vision and operational strategies, aligning team efforts with corporate objectives. Opened approximately 19 boutiques and multi-brand stores.~ My corporate target for 2014 was just below AED 1 billion, including brands and retail stores. And, the annual target was achieved.~ Managed a team of 14 personnel at the HO, in addition to about 275 staff at the retail level.

~ Managed brands such as Zenith, IWC, Officine Panerai, Baume & Mercier, Dunhill, TAG Heuer, Gucci amongst others. Launched Dior & TAG Heuer luxury communication instruments in our portfolio.~ In 2007, opened the IWC boutique in Abu Dhabi.~ In 2008, opened two TAG Heuer boutiques in Bahrain.~ Managed the retail operations for the Rivoli stores and mono-brand boutiques in Qatar & Bahrain. ~ Managed a team at the Head Office and the retail staff at the stores.~ Travelled to the annual watch and jewelry fairs in Switzerland, for the annual meetings and buying.

~ Operated in the Front Office, with complete responsibility as Head of Department. Worked in close coordination with the General Manager and the Sales Team.~ Maintained key accounts, and grew the business by 17%.~ Set accurate budgets based on historical data and forecasted trends to keep operations financially sound.~ Used proactive problem-solving skills to resolve issues quickly and effectively, minimising operational disruption.~ Coordinated daily activity using exceptional organisation and planning abilities for smooth-running business operations.~ Addressed customer complaints with empathy and efficiency, resolving issues to maintain high satisfaction levels.

~ Reported to the Human Resource Manager, Asia-Pacific Region. ~ The job was oriented to improving the quality of services in the Hotel, through constant manpower planning, training and innovation.~ Worked in close co-ordination with the General Manager and the Heads of Department, for a better understanding of the operations and their requirements.~ Customer surveys and staff surveys showed a significant growth in ratings.

~ Reporting to the Vice President Operations, Northern Region. Deputed from the parent Hotel, for upgrading the services at a Company managed unit. ~ Working in co-ordination with the General Manager, with the goal of registering a qualitative increase in hotel services. ~ Responsibilities included an overview of the existing services, departmental staffing, preparing staff duty rosters, and preparing departmental budgets. ~ Additionally responsible for monitoring the movement of Tourist Groups to and from the Hotel, and coordinating their stay at the Hotel.

~ Reporting to the Vice President Operations, through the Training Manager. ~ Received intensive training in the major operating areas of the Hotel. Received specific inputs related to customer services and the quality of services. ~ Designated as Duty Manager for the last four months, in the year-long training. Responsibilities included shift staffing, customer interaction and maintaining the quality of services.