Anthony John O’Donnell
Mobile 009715504131
Email ajod@hotmail.com
Nationality British
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Personal
Profile
A dynamic and skilled diverse Business, Retail, Wholesale & Property Manager with over 30
year’s extensive International & GCC experience. Expertise & commercial understanding of
varying retail formats covering department store, single brand & multi brand operations. Able
to maximise commercial opportunities through detailed knowledge of customer expectations &
defined business acumen. Effective communication and diplomacy skills, supported with the
confidence & resilience to overcome challenge & and lead a team to success that is supported
by practical commercial skills & knowledge in the following key areas.
• Strategic Business Planning, Retail & Operations Management
• Buying, Sourcing of Apparel, Sports Goods, Perfumery, Cosmetics & Luxury
• Merchandising, Marketing
• Product & Sales management
• Property, Leasing & Facilities Management
• P&L Management
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Employment History
Sharaf Industries (Dubai)
Sept 2009 - June 2013
General Manager Mall Operations Dubai, Oman & Hospitality
Revenues of AED 50 million
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General management of two community sized malls, with full P&L accountable &
management reporting to Group VP, GLA 300,000 sqft.
Instrumental in planning and implementation of annual budgets and business planning
process.
Business development management by total restructuring of malls product and tenant
mix increasing tenant occupancy from 46% to 96%.
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Increasing footfall ratios by 40% through tenant restructuring and marketing activity and
building of awareness.
Managed & restructured the maintenance operations of the mall developed and
implemented SOP's to ensure safe and functional operating environment effecting a
20% reduction in operations and maintenance costs.
Re-aligned organisational structure to support business objectives & establish clear
levels of accountability at all levels with the necessary coaching & support to achieve
individual & business unit success.
Overview of retailer operations to ensure compliance with mall policies and procedures
ensuing best operational practices employed.
Emaar Malls Group (Dubai)
July- 2008 – Sept 2009
Asst Retail Operations Manager The Dubai Mall & Down Town Retail Park
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Operations & Retail management for the world’s largest mall with GLA of 3.6 million sqft
and 1400 retail units, revenue generation, limiting financial exposure, asset
management, management of retailers with in Emaar retail developments, across a
diverse product portfolio including F&B and leisure & entertainment.
Delivery of stores, leasing support, rent commencement and finalization, DOV
recommendations.
Business development, budget planning, growth and expansion in existing and new
projects
Retail analysis of sales data, identification of trends, opportunities and risks internally &
externally
Retailer relationship, local, head office and international, providing support guidance
and retail advise to maximize sales whilst ensuring EMG policies and principals are
followed and maintained , PR & marketing support
Team leadership, support, guide and team development
Santa G Inc Apparel (Mexico)
Management Consultant New Business
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April-Sept 2007
Developed strategic sourcing of manufacturers
Build sales strategy for US and Canadian markets
Brand development new business
Work with designers, building collections and formulating ranges, sampling, competitive
analysis and market research
Sourcing of materials and appointment of production centres including logistics
Analytical reporting on all business areas, formulating systems and procedures for both
production and sales
Landmark International Apparel (Dubai)
General Manager International Franchise Operations
Revenues AED 230 Million
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Jan 2005-March 2007
Management of branded International Franchise Business 36 stores across GCC region
Business planning, direction and continual expansion, extensive HO & field management
of team, buying, merchandising & product strategy.
Financial performance maximizing sales, profitability and cost control
Retail operating activities, store openings , expansion and roll out and business growth
Marketing, business and brand development
Analytical reporting to Directors on all business areas, procedures, performance
management and measurement.
Mexx International Apparel (Dubai)
Oct 1995- Dec 2004
Division Buying, Product, Wholesale & Merchandise Manager
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Buying & product management for GCC, Cyprus and North African markets, covering
men's, ladies, children's, accessories and licensed products.
Building branded stores from 26 to 70 franchise multi format stores across region
incorporating stand alone, and concession with revenues in excess of US$ 35 million.
Formulation of strategic retail & wholesale buying plans across all stores and product
groups
Introduction of sales analysis reports to control buying, range flow & intake, sell through
rates, reducing markdown costs and improve bottom line results.
Development of new products, design, sourcing & range refinement, with the
development of regional specific ranges covering both climatic and cultural
requirements resulting in an average full price sell through of 70% reducing markdown
activity and increasing partner profitability.
Training & development to local and franchise teams
HM Forces, UK
Divisional Buying Manager (UK)
OTB Management US$ 30 Million
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Apr 1991- Sept 1995
Buying manager of apparel, prestige fragrances, cosmetics, luxury and sports goods &
buying manager of Marks & Spencer Franchise Operations.
Sourcing and selection of branded products, product launching & product group
management, product flow and margin management & mark down control
Negotiation of prices and trading terms, supplier contribution, quality control increasing
GP averages by 10%
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Operating in domestic and duty free markets including UK, Europe, Asia, Cyprus, Kenya
and Royal Households
Staff training, product training and marketing
NAFFI HM Forces, Germany
Retail Operations Manager
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Sept 1986- Apr 1991
Multi-site retail operations management, profit and bottom line focus.
Sales planning and targeting, staff training, recruitment.
VM, promotional activity & public relations.
Rackhams Harrods Ltd, UK
Buyer & Departmental Manager
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June 1981- Sept 1986
Buying planning, sourcing and selection, pricing and range management of international
branded apparel, footwear & accessories.
Sales planning, turnover, VM sales data analysis margin and markdown control.
Staff training development
Administration
Education
Solihull College of Technology & Advanced Education, (UK)
NEBS Diploma in Management, Business & Distribution Studies, 1983
NEBS Certification in Management, Business & Distribution Studies, 1982
Whitesmore Senior School, Birmingham (UK) 1981
Personal Details
Date and place of birth:
Nationality:
Marital status:
Driving licenses:
25 November 1964, Birmingham (UK)
British
Married
UK International, GCC
References:
Referees’ details will be provided on request