I have 30 years’ experience in the retail industry, with 4 years spent in store operations and 4 years spent in wholesale distribution to chain stores as well as independent stores. For 22 years of my carrier, I have been involved in either buying or buying management. Over the past 14 years, I have been responsible for the Edgars Footwear division, as well as Accessories, Travel Goods and Intimatewear during times in this period, which included a staff compliment of between 15 to 27 people. Much of my accountability was around supplier contracts, negotiations and relationship building, business strategy, business financial planning, product and financial analysis, marketing, supply chain, product development and range building, in-store design, layouts and execution, trend analysis and execution, along with management of my team. I was instrumental in the introduction of the brands such as Dune London, Doc Martens, Steve Madden and Aldo into South African chain store retail space. Developing brand strategies, product assortments, store locations, supply contracts and training in-store, as well as purchasing and planning of these businesses. During this period, as with my entire career, private label product development has been key to the success of the various businesses I have either managed or directly bought. I was directly involved with the developing and launching of Kelso and Free2bu costume jewellery, Edgars men’s Signature footwear range, hair ranges into Jet Mart, the expansion of stationary into the Jet stores and men’s Valenzia footwear. My overall experience has given me vast knowledge into the South African consumer, with regards to Footwear, Accessories, Travel Goods, Clothing, Stationary, Housewares and Fine Fragrance. This have given me a strong understanding of both local and global supply and lots of experience conducting business with both. I provide a strong, experienced and creative leadership to any consumer-focused retail business. My well-rounded leadership competencies have delivered positive business growth through increased sales and profitability, efficient structures and dedicated staff to execute the business requirements, along with consistent and effective supplier relationships. Together with strong technical skills such as buying, product development, sourcing, merchandising, planning and in-store operations, my performance track record has been largely positive across my entire career.