International executive with proven operational management expertise skilled in developing growth strategies and delivering profitable financial results with full P&L accountability. My experience is globally diverse across leading Travel Retail, Department Stores, Manufacturing and Global Sourcing, as well as Creative Design and Product Development. I am capable of promoting creative synergies while delivering strong commercial results.

A Trusted leader who has built complex global businesses from US $300M to US $1BN. I have more than 18 years of progressive DFS Group Travel retail experience and within LVMH Group Selective Retailing Division. I am a seasoned brand builder who is well respected inside the DFS/LVMH Group and throughout the Luxury Industry.

I am a high-energy executive who excels at building high-performance teams and leading dynamic change. As an effective communicator, I am able to resolve complex issues across globally diverse businesses and cultures. I am a passionate leader in promoting talent development and sustained learning and growth.

STARBOARD Summary

Recruited to lead the global Retail strategy and P&L across all Cruise ships for Carnival Corporate Brands: Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Costa Cruises. Successfully led RFP negotiations with Carnival Corporate and re-structured the Carnival Cruise Line partnership.

Elevated to EVP Chief Merchant to lead the creation of the Experience Design Team: Merchandising, Marketing, Store Design, Visual Merchandising, Retail Experience. Creates the vision for the retail guest experience aligned with each individual Cruise Line Brand positioning: Marketing communication, Assortment curation and product development, Store concept design, Visual Merchandising, Events and Promotions.

Lead Retail strategy with 3 global partners: Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Corporate, Genting Hong Kong, across all product categories: Beauty, Fashion, Jewelry, Watches, Spirits, Food. Exceeded budgeted revenue and profit growth in 2017 with Retail sales of $900M.

DFS Summary

Championed to lead the turn around of the highly profitable DFS MidPacific Division faced with increased competition and declining revenue and profit. 700 employees across: Sales, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Merchandising, LoyalT, Education, Human Resources. Led strategy across all product categories: Beauty, Fashion, Watches, Jewelry, Accessories, Food, Local gifts, Spirits, Wine. Shifted Consumer and Travel industry Marketing investments to capture new customer profiles, improved in-store conversion, and increased ticket spend. Led restructuring efforts and optimized operating performance through cost savings initiatives and market share gains. Improved the Division profit contribution by 430 basis points in 2 years.

Created the vision for future retail development and led strategy across multi-channel operations: DFS Airport operations, T Galleria Stores, LVMH property management, Business development. Negotiated $20M in capital to platform long-term profitable growth. Partnered with United Airlines to introduce the United Airlines check-in counter in the downtown Guam T Galleria TCAT.

Elevated community relationships and formed alliances with key local leaders: Airport and Government officials, Tourism business alliances, Brand partners, local Business partners, Community organizations. Introduced GUMA (Guam Unique Merchandise and Arts) as a 501c3 non-profit to mentor and support passionate local artists and cultural producers to build local businesses and sustainable artisan crafts. Vice Chair of the American Red Cross, member of the Guam Visitor Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and a member of the DFS Group Executive Committee.

DFS Summary

Recruited to lead the global Merchandising strategy for Watches, Jewelry, Fashion accessories, and drove rapid accelerated revenue growth from US $637M to US $1BN in 3 years. Grew market share by 180 basis points through Brand development and key product intensifications, elevated retail platforms, distribution expansions, new market development, marketing investments. Optimized all financial metrics: sales per square foot, mark-up, gross margin, inventory productivity. Member of the DFS Group Executive Committee.

Created the vision for enhanced category execution across all DFS T Galleria and Airport distribution channels: Hong Kong and Macau, Americas and Japan, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Europe. Negotiated strategic partnerships with key Luxury groups and strengthened DFS global relationships across 100+ key Brands: Chopard, Fossil Group, Gucci Group, Guess, Hermes, Luxottica, LVMH Group, Marcolin, Movado Group, Richemont Group, Safilo, Swarovski, Swatch Group, Tiffany & Co. Led Luxury negotiations for the DFS T Galleria Macau Four Seasons Luxury expansion and the Hong Kong GM master concessions generating revenue of US $300M. Negotiated financial components of all global store renovations including: Category / Brand placements and visibility, CAPEX requirements, and assortment planning.

Assembled a culturally diverse and talented global Merchandising team in Hong Kong and created a high performance culture with recognition for developing talent. Received “DFS Merchandising Team of the Year” award for exceptional financial achievement and “DFS Talent Development Award” for personal leadership in mentoring and developing talent.

John Hardy Summary

Recruited to lead the global product strategy in conjunction with the LBO from family shareholders, I led Brand oversight across Creative Design, Merchandising, Product Development, and Procurement. I promoted strong relationships cross-functionally to create synergy between Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, Creative design, Product Development and Production. I was a member of the Executive Committee.

I adapted a design-led organization into a commercially value-driven team and provided structure to guide the creative design process. I refined the 8-step Jewelry making process with the Balinese Design Team and the European Creative Director. I launched the first Designers and Artisans – Legends storytelling collections and created value through promoting design and material innovation.

I updated the processes of product creation through a streamlined market launch pipeline, maximized efficiencies, structured accountability, and advanced market introductions by 4 months. I implemented a global price strategy that balanced the profitability of core product, leveraged the consistent introduction of newness, and yielded an 800 basis point improvement in product margins.

I championed the commitment to sustainable practices using 100% reclaimed silver and ethically-sourced gemstones. I launched the “Wear Bamboo, Plant Bamboo” initiative which planted bamboo seedlings and enabled clients to give back to the community and protect the environment.

PT Karya Tangan Indah Summary

Recruited to lead the sustainably-run Bali Manufacture and Design center PT Karya Tangan Indah heading a team of 550 employees across Creative Design, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Legal, Merchandising, Marketing, Product Development, Production, Procurement, Sales and Sustainability. I was accountable for the strategy and P&L of the Bali design services and manufacturing operations.

Led organizational restructuring to optimize operating performance. Streamlined processes and reduced expenses while scaling increased production and improved quality. Created synergy through eliminating functional silos and promoting cross-functional communication and accountability. Inspired a culture of creativity and engagement while transitioning the organization.

Introduced the “Jobs for Life” program to engage youth in the tradition of handmade jewelry making, create career paths for apprentices, and establish sustainable talent resources for our business. Developed partnerships with local Hotel groups and built a successful PR visitor and sales program generating 20,000 visits annually within the Bali compound with Kapal Bambu becoming the #1 revenue door globally.

DFS Summary

Led the global strategy for Luxury across all DFS Galleria and Airport distribution channels. Drove +63% increase in profitable revenue growth to US $300M and gained market share within DFS. Led global negotiations with key Luxury groups and drove Brand and Market development strategies with partners based in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Assembled a central Merchandising team in San Francisco with Division merchants based in Guam, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Okinawa, Singapore, Australia

Achieved global recognition for successfully partnering and negotiating the Singapore Changi Airport Watch concessions generating revenue of US $100M over term. Achieved “DFS Above and Beyond” award for personal contributions to DFS, and “DFS Merchandising Team of the Year” award for delivering an exceptional financial performance.

DFS Summary

Led the global Jewelry strategy across all DFS distribution channels generating revenue of US $100M. Headed a San Francisco Merchandising team and wholesale Fine Jewelry operation in Hong Kong. Responsible for the profit and loss of the DFS manufacturing and supply chain operation.

Negotiated exclusive licensing agreements with key partners: Christian Dior, Courreges, Lancel, Mario Valentino, Nina Ricci. Led partner negotiations in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Japan, Paris, Italy, Canada. Transformed the DFS private label business into a Luxury Branded business. Established the foundation for future Brand development: Bvlgari, Cartier, Chopard, Gucci, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels.

E. Gluck Summary

Recruited to launch the newly acquired license for Nine West Watches. Created the vision and competitively positioned the Watch Brand in partnership with Nine West Corporate. Led corporate negotiations on positioning, marketing direction, product collections. Exceeded first year revenue and gross margin targets with over 700,000 pcs sold. Headed the Creative design and Product development process with designers in New York, Hong Kong.

DFS Summary

Championed to lead the turn around of the highly profitable DFS MidPacific Division faced with increased competition and declining revenue and profit. 700 employees across: Sales, Operations, Finance, Marketing, Merchandising, LoyalT, Education, Human Resources. Led strategy across all product categories: Beauty, Fashion, Watches, Jewelry, Accessories, Food, Local gifts, Spirits, Wine. Shifted Consumer and Travel industry Marketing investments to capture new customer profiles, improved in-store conversion, and increased ticket spend. Led restructuring efforts and optimized operating performance through cost savings initiatives and market share gains. Improved the Division profit contribution by 430 basis points in 2 years.

Created the vision for future retail development and led strategy across multi-channel operations: DFS Airport operations, T Galleria Stores, LVMH property management, Business development. Negotiated $20M in capital to platform long-term profitable growth. Partnered with United Airlines to introduce the United Airlines check-in counter in the downtown Guam T Galleria TCAT.

Elevated community relationships and formed alliances with key local leaders: Airport and Government officials, Tourism business alliances, Brand partners, local Business partners, Community organizations. Introduced GUMA (Guam Unique Merchandise and Arts) as a 501c3 non-profit to mentor and support passionate local artists and cultural producers to build local businesses and sustainable artisan crafts. Vice Chair of the American Red Cross, member of the Guam Visitor Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and a member of the DFS Group Executive Committee.

06/1990 to 08/1993

DILLARDS DEPARTMENT STORES, PHOENIX, AZ

Division Merchandising

06/1988 to 06/1990

BROADWAY SOUTHWEST DEPARTMENT STORES, PHOENIX, AZ

Retail Store Operations / Division Merchandising

06/1986 to 06/1988

DIAMONDS / DILLARDS DEPARTMENT STORES, PHOENIX, AZ

Retail Store Operations