Maya Farhat

• Spearheading the successful development of Cole Haan across 3 territories, namely Qatar, Turkey and South Africa.
• Successful in developing and establishing Lipault brand and growing retail and wholesale business.
• Overseeing the footwear and fashion & accessories departments, brands including: Elie Saab, M Missoni, Swarovski, APM, Guess, Les Nériédes, Misaki, Monique Lhuillier, etc.
• Facilitating accurate monthly reports, monitoring fast/slow-moving items as well as implementing fast action plans and promotional activities.
• Strategically planning through development and execution of yearly budgets in addition to monitoring inventory levels and sales performance to ensure adherence with yearly plans.
• Defining and implementing digital and micro-marketing strategies with an aim of maximising brand awareness, traffic and overall sales across assigned territory.
• Instrumental in establishing and ensuring smooth running of the new store and wholesale shops across various geographies.
• Maintaining close communication with the logistics and operations team members to facilitate smooth in and out of goods from one department to another.
• Managing and leading a team of over 20 staff members, facilitating required training to operational staff working across 3 countries while closely overseeing the development plans related to new projects.
• Planning and establishing sales and buying budgets with focus on maintaining minimum stock holding.
• Building strong & lasting partnerships with brands, effectively developing business strategies, negotiating payment terms and overall growth of business.

• Defined a strategic marketing plan for effectively promoting exhibitions using various media channels, such as advertisement slots in magazines, newspapers, radio, billboards, TV and other social media networks.
• Undertook responsibility of managing the main visuals, test and layouts of various events, including Beirut International Property Fair, Beirut Wedding Fair and Beirut Haute Joaillire Fair.
• Liaised with the design team to discuss about all published visuals
• Developed long-term business relations with the various suppliers; effectively negotiated with them to acquire required products at cost-effective prices.
• Effectively negotiated and agreed barter agreements with magazines, radio and online communication companies.
• Planned efficient execution schedule to ensure smooth running and completion of various exhibitions.
• Maintained close communication with the various contractors during execution of all exhibitions, thus ensuring maximum safety and security of host venue (5 Star hotels).
• Managed pre- and post-event marketing activities, press releases, visuals and other related aspects.

• Proven success in strengthening the brand image of company while developing strategic expansion plans.
• Planned and implemented marketing strategies of the fashion brand for upcoming year (2012).
• Managed various aspects related to end of yea events and promotions, also participated in various high-profile events to promote brand image.
• Prepared interactive and innovative Facebook and Twitter pages to maximise web traffic.
• Planned art direction and styling of upcoming photo shoots in close conjunction with the creative team.

• Managed main visuals, text and layouts for the Beirut International Property Fair and Beirut Haute Joaillire Fair profiles.
• Effectively communicated and negotiated with the suppliers to attain best price products/goods as per the company requirements.
• Booked various advertisement slots in magazines, radio and billboards to promote company products across assigned territory.

Earlier Career:

Research Associate Oct 2007 - Mar 2009
ABQ Zawya (Thompson Reuters), Beirut, Lebanon

Senior Sales Associate Sep 2006 - Jul 2007
Monsoon, Kensington High Street, UK

Sales Supervisor Feb 2006 - Aug 2006
Zadig et Voltaire, Sloane Street, UK

Sales Associate Sep 2002 - Dec 2005
DUNE SHOES, Kensington High Street, UK