Experience

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  Samurai Sportswear

  • Sales Director

    • Jun 2020 - Aug 2021

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  Cole & Son (Wallpapers) Limited

  • London, United Kingdom

  • Sales Director (UK and Ireland)

    • Jun 2014 - May 2020
    • London, United Kingdom

    July 2018 - May 2020 - Sales DirectorMarch 2017 - March 2018 - Head of Group SalesJune 2014 - March 2017 - UK Sales ManagerAppointed to drive sales of high end wallcoverings within retailers, e-retailers and A & D markets, Successfully halted the decline in sales versus the previous year within my first six months and thereafter increased sales year on year from 2014 to 2019. This was achieved through thorough market analysis, formulation of effective strategies and new channel business expansion.Promoted awareness of Cole and Son wallpaper brand in UK market achieving growth over a five year period. Responsibility for the Irish market from 2017 onwards and in conjunction with the Irish distributor Increased turnover year on year.Pioneered relaunch of the parent company wallpaper brands in 2016 (Borastapeter and Engblad & co)quadrupling the business in a four year period.Grew European business during my secondment into this market for 9 months From June 2016 through to March 2017.. Expertly negotiated pricing and optimised profitability, through influencing internal and external decision makers, and provided strategic insight for marketing strategies and campaigns, yielding immense business growth.Instigated successful loyalty schemes year. for all customers and significantly contributed to overall company growth. Coordinated activities of Chelsea Harbour Design Showroom staff, drove retail sales, and optimised trade leads.Identified group training needs, and delivered comprehensive coaching for international subsidiaries and teams.

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  Hubaco Ltd

  • Group Sales Director

    • Dec 2012 - Apr 2014

    Pivotal role as Group Sales Director, with full remit and responsibility for all facets of sales and marketing for a broad range of outdoor products, including tents, gloves, hats and accessories within Terra Nova, Wild Country and Extremities brands, and grew order book by 26%. Achieved 15% growth in invoiced product sales through renewed focus on all outdoor key accounts and emphasis on client relationship management, resulting in retention of existing business, repeat business and referrals. Proactively reorganised, relaunched and achieved turnaround of declining school uniform business, and achieved previous year’s turnover. Drove online business and revenue growth via www.yourschooluniform.com, a B2C/B2B platform for sales of school uniforms direct to schools and parents.

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  Samurai Sportswear

  • Sales Director

    • Apr 2008 - Nov 2012

    Served as Sales Director for Samurai International Ltd., drove sales and revenue growth of team kits and training apparel, via Clubs, Schools, Colleges, Universities and Retailers, and doubled turnover from £2.9M to £5.5M, within four years. Proactively identified new business opportunities and secured contracts with prestigious professional sporting clients such as Kent County Cricket Club, Exeter Chiefs RFC, Irish Hockey, Loughborough Lightning Netball, and Accrington Stanley FC. Pioneered complete restructure of Customer Service Department and drove improvements to efficiency, resulting in best in class service, for all business accounts. Recognition of achievement for exceptional leadership of one Field Sales Manager, two International Sales Managers, five Area Sales Managers, Marketing Department and Customer Service, yielding seamless operations. Consistently controlled margins and discounts, and skilfully negotiated club contracts, resulting in increased EBITA. Effectively repositioned brand from sole position as rugby brand, to multisport status, and capitalised on additional revenue streams, including international brand development, through utilisation of specialised distributor network.

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  Wild Republic UK Ltd

  • Country Sales Manager (Fixed Term 10 Months)

    • Jul 2007 - Apr 2008

    Responsible for all aspects of P&L sales management for a leading supplier of educational toys• Appointed as Country Sales Manager to drive sales to zoo’s, museums, aquariums and UK retailers• National leadership and management of 3 sales representatives & a further team of 4 sales agents• Led turnaround and transformation of a negative trading deficit of 10% into a positive overall result

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  Vasyli UK Ltd

  • European Sales Director

    • Dec 2005 - May 2007

    Responsible for management of all National Accounts in the UK, underpinning business growth• Appointed as European Sales Director drive all sales & marketing activity across European markets• Directed sales activity via employed representatives, sales agencies & distributors, turnover £3.5m•Increased UK revenue year-on-year by 40% and successfully increased distributor business by 300%

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  Proline International Ltd

  • Consultant Business Unit Manager

    • May 2005 - Nov 2005

    Responsible for spearheading & driving the set-up & launch of the performance division (UK) • Appointed on a 6-month fixed term contract basis to spearhead business development and growth• Focused on development of sales in personal training, golf, mountain and tennis market categories

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  Mizuno Corporation Ltd

  • UK Sales Manager

    • Jun 2001 - Mar 2005

    Responsible for full leadership, management and development of the UK sports division • Appointed to UK sales role with a leading supplier of sporting goods, clothing and footwear products• Leadership & control of 5 Area Sales Managers, Technical Representatives & UK Marketing Manager• Dramatically increased sales turnover across 3 consecutive years by 30%+ in a specialist market• Transformed gross margin performance from 29% to 50%, analysing business and market demand

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  Filos UK Ltd

  • Sales Manager

    • Oct 2000 - Jun 2001

    Responsible for all aspects of P&L sales management, business development and leadership• Appointed on an interim basis to assist a previous Managing Director with an exciting new start-up• Focused on development of sales teams and channels for the sale of designer frames to opticians• Led the recruitment, training and motivation of a young & enthusiastic sales team, boosting profits

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  TDK UK Ltd

  • Sales Manager (Field Sales)

    • May 1996 - Oct 2000

    TDK UK Ltd is the Countries leading manufacturer and distributor of branded blank recording media. Full managerial, control and direction of a team of nine. Consisting of Key Account Managers and Sales Representatives with a divisional turnover of over £10m.Promoted from Regional Sales Manager to current position in March 1998, after winning the Regional Sales Manager of the year award in my first full year.

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  Papel Freelance

  • National Sales Manager

    • Aug 1989 - Dec 1995

    A division of The Russ Berrie Corporation, Papel Freelance manufactured and distributed a range of mugs, magnets, key rings and other novelty items to card and gift shops. Grew sales through a team of a National Account Manager and Twelve Sales Representatives.Promoted from Sales Representative to National Sales Manager.

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  Olympic Gymnasium Ltd

  • Sales Executive

    • Aug 1988 - Aug 1989

    Olympic Gymnasium was manufacturers of gymnasium equipment and also provided a maintenance service to educational establishments and sports venues.

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  Recruitment Consultant

  • Kingsway Recruitment Recruitment Consultant

    • Dec 1987 - Jul 1988

    Kingsway specialised in the recruitment of secretarial and administration staff.

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  Olympus Sport

  • Branch Manager

    • Mar 1983 - Nov 1987

    Olympus Sport was the number one sportswear and equipment retailer in the UK.