Johnathan Stolk

Led overall retail business operations and strategic planning across GCC markets (UAE, KSA, Bahrain).
Managed 65 stores with $85M annual turnover and full P&L accountability.
Drove cross‑functional alignment across Supply Chain, Finance, HR and Marketing.
Strengthened partnerships with Brand Principals to support expansion and long‑term growth.
Optimized inventory and commercial performance through KPI‑driven analysis (OTB, trading density, replenishment).
Developed and mentored brand leadership teams across multi‑market operations.
Achievements:
Delivered AED 960K annual cost savings through organizational restructuring.
Increased gross margin by +4% via pricing architecture and markdown optimization.
Improved purchase terms with +3% brand discount gains and secured CapEx contributions.
Secured funding for 7 shop‑in‑shop concepts, reducing capital exposure by AED 500K.

Directed strategic growth of the Retail Beauty Division across MENA.
Developed commercial strategies to maximize revenue, profitability and market share.
Expanded retail, wholesale and omni‑channel distribution networks.
Built strong partnerships with Brand Principals and key regional retailers.
Conducted market intelligence, pricing analysis and product portfolio optimization.
Achievements:
Improved gross margin by +2% through category analytics and SKU optimization.
Achieved +12% CAGR (2019-2022) through disciplined commercial execution.
Expanded retail footprint by 15% across key regional chains.
Launched and scaled omni‑channel distribution, driving 24% e‑commerce contribution.

Responsibilities:
Led a $400M retail business across 162 stores with full P&L ownership.
Defined and executed strategic growth and expansion plans for KSA.
Implemented operational excellence standards to improve productivity and profitability. Led digital transformation including e‑commerce launch and omni‑channel integration. Managed large, geographically dispersed teams and drove organizational change.
Achievements:
Delivered SAR 2.9 SPD across 1.6M sq.ft. of retail space. Opened 24 new stores in 3 years expanding footprint.
Optimized inventory to 3.5 months stock cover, reduced ageing to 4%, and cut markdowns by 7%.
Achieved 9% and 6% LFL growth in consecutive years.
Reduced overheads from 27% to 24% enhancing operating leverage and profitability.
Led culture initiatives resulting in #1 Great Place to Work® (2017 & 2018).

Responsibilities:
Led franchise development and retail operations across 5 countries. Managed 30+ stores with $45M annual revenue.
Oversaw market due diligence, contract negotiations and brand onboarding. Accelerated store rollout, completing a 5‑year plan in 3 years.
Standardized operational processes across multiple markets.

• Managed the fashion division dealing with brands including BHS, Celio, Bendon, Alcott, Sacoor and Blue Inc supervising retail operations across 35 stores in the GCC region.

• Managed retail operations for a portfolio of leading international brands - Carlton, Bric’s, Zero Halliburton, Fischbacher, Valentino and Fogarty - through 18 stores with a total staff of 140 employees.

• Managed the retail operations of 16 Dunns and Millers stores with full P&L accountability for delivery of agreed business results