KAMAL AHUJA

Manama – Kingdom of Bahrain

Mobile - +971 394 39436 Email: ahujakamal@yahoo.com

BRAND / OPERATIONS MANAGER

Retailer with proven track record.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

12 years of expertise in Operations, Brand building and Store operations to maximizing business
results in retail envoirment with consistent productivity & performance.
Exceptionally well organized with a track record of demonstrating self motivation, creativity and initiative
to achieve corporate goals.

AREA OF EXPERTISE

• Operation Management • Brand Building • Training & Performance

• Merchandise • Market Research Management
Management • Promotion planning &
• Budgeting execution
• P & L Management

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

BRAND MANAGER for “ QUIZ & SACOOR” MAR – 2009 to Till date
(UAE, BAHRAIN, QATAR, OMAN, KUWAIT)
JAWAD BUSINESS GROUP of COMPANIES, from Bahrain with multiple retail franchise concepts from Fashion , Furniture
& FMCG operating a total of 300+ stores in the region.

• Plan & Develop annual business plan

• Accountable for selecting a commercial range appropriate to the region.
• Site selection & feasibility study.
• Manage Franchisor relationships & brand strategy regional launch.
• Retail site negotiations with malls.
• Manage overall store operations in coordination with operations team.

BRAND MANAGER for “BLANCO & OCTOBER” MAY – 2008 to JAN 2009
(UAE , KUWAIT, BAHRAIN , QATAR, OMAN)
Global Retail Co , was a part of AL RAJHI GROUP of COMPANIES, Fashion retailer in the Middle East possessing
franchises international fascias like Blanco, Reno, October, 55 DSL, McGregor, Cyrillus, Palmers –Now discontinued
OPERATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER – GCC, MAY -2006 to APR 2008
TRUCARE FZC - SHARJAH, UAE Leading sole distributor of Kiddy & Juvenile products from U.K namely MACLAREN,
BOB THE BUILDER, THOMAS & FRIENDS and THE FIRST YEARS.

Responsible for the entire portfolio of brands for all retail client relations across GCC and company
organization structure, maintaining regular communication with the principle for new product launches
& product specific trainings to the Retailers. Developing new product ranges by regularly attending
Trade Fairs in COLOGNE, HONG KONG & CHINA .Oversee the entire logistics of Export & Import of
merchandise, liase for all legal & governmental work for the company.

Key Results
• 18% growth in sales.
• Launched marketing campaigns with leading retailer’s (Toys ‘R’ Us, Mothercare & BabyShop).
• Developed & launched an entire range of Baby Nursery Private label for Carrefour chain of
Hypermarket for the entire GCC region.
• Instrumental in implementing new process & procedures for the companies’ logistics &
operational division.

BRAND MARKETING & VISUAL MANAGER (MOTHERCARE), GCC

M.H. AL SHAYA Co – KUWAIT -

SEP – 2001 to APR 2006
One of the leading Retailers in the GCC region with over 1000 stores spread across the region comprising of internationally
recognized top 45 brands portfolio.

Leading name in Kids & Juvenile retail segment with over 120 stores across 8 countries of GCC, with
an annual turnover of US $ 129 mn, with retail selling space exceeding 16000 sq mt.
Conceptualization & implementation of complete marketing strategies, in consencious communication
and acceptance with principal brand. Communicating the brand value through correct visual
presentation of the concept and conceive customer focused strategy, plans aimed at strategizing
competitive advantage.

Key Results
• Successful implementation of annual marketing plans to achieve the ultimate goal of annual
sales budgets.
• Planned & executed lifestyle campaigns for the seasonal launches for not only Al Shaya but
Mothercare worldwide.
• Instrumental in influencing the UAE Traffic dept to incorporate Child Restraint Law as
compulsory need while driving.
• Launched marketing campaigns for the opening of 27 stores across 8 countries.
• Introduced the first ever Loyalty programme for the brand for the region.
• Secured first ever sponsorship worth US$ 1 mn from UAE govt.
• Introduced and executed G.W.P (Gift with Purchase) promotion which was a runaway success
improving sales during the period by 6%.
• Introduced Product of the Month resulting in increase in sales by 20% for the period.
• Was Designated an ASSESOR for the UAE region’s Fashion Division to identify growing talent
within the company.
REGIONAL VISUAL MERCHANDISER (MOTHERCARE) – UAE
RETAIL STORE MANAGER – UAE

AREA MANAGER - BAHRAIN

BMA INTERNATIONAL - BAHRAIN
SEP – 1996 to JUL 2001
(Leading large format Family Value Department Stores with stores all over the GCC)

Responsible for 6 Big Box retail chain whilst strategizing on business and marketing implementing the
business plans, while working closely with the buying team for correct merchandise planning as per the
sales budgets & sales forecast, fashion trends & customer feedback. Act as liaison between production
& creative team to ensure that all advertisement and POS are produced with the stipulated time frame
and budgets.

KEY RESULTS

• Increased sales by 25 %.
• Reduced inventory loss by implementing better controls and systems in place.
• Reduced store operation cost by 8 % through implementing various cost control initiatives.
• Conceived & implemented one of the most successful Festive promotions of the region.

ASST AREA MANAGER – BAHRAIN

RETAIL STORE MANAGER – BAHRAIN

WEEKENDER’S
( A leading casual fashion brand for family, with 100 + stores all over India)
ARORA ASSOCIATES - CALCUTTA, INDIA
JAN – 1994 to AUG 1996
(Sole Franchisor for WEEKENDER for the eastern region of India )

RETAIL STORE MANAGER – Calcutta

SALES ASSISTANT - Calcutta