• I have managed a wide range of product categories including Woven Garments (Shirts,
Blouses, Dresses, Skirts, Trousers, Tailored), Denim and Non-Denim Pants, Circular Knits
(Underwear, Nightwear), Lingerie, Swimwear, Outerwear, Activewear, Legwear,
Accessories and Footwear.
• I managed a portfolio of 170 million tickets valued at €750 million (Cost) and €1.8 billion
(Sales) annually, travelling extensively to 13 markets to collaborate with more than 250
Garment & Trims Suppliers and Fabric Mills across Far East and Europe.
• I lead multiple high performing sourcing teams of up to 70 people with 11 direct leader
reports.
Key Achievements:
- Implemented a “Test & Repeat” model in Lingerie with a co-creation supplier with
high levels of autonomy and decision making from the supplier with an 80% success
rate.
- Initiated a speed model with near shore garment suppliers to deliver regularly from
design concept to shipment with a lead time of 14 days, a reduction in lead time of
50-60%.
- Implemented a flexible Asia supply chain model using Woven pool fabrics for Shirts,
Blouses and Dresses to deliver in 45-60 days lead time without liabilities, a reduction
of 35%.
- Implemented full integration of 3D design to garment in Legwear with key Sock
suppliers, moving direct from design concept to bulk production, removing
sampling costs and delays.
- Facilitated sustainable material projects such as Econyl from ocean waste with
Carvico for a swimwear collection in recycled Nylon as well as a legwear collection
from plastic water bottles in recycled Polyester. Supported key initiatives on Organic
Cotton, Responsible Down and Cashmere, EU Flax Linen, Viscose, Fiber Trace and
alternatives to animal-derived materials.
- Significantly rationalized the supplier matrix by more than 70% working with fewer
suppliers to drive consolidated volumes, enhanced business relationships and
collaborating with Compliance towards the reduction of carbon emissions in our
factory matrix.
- Lead and developed with external consultants (BCG and Weave) the Negotiation
Excellence Garment Benefit tracker which delivered 2-3% savings on COGS.
- Implemented a Garment “Should be Cost” model (Technical fact-based costing)
which delivered 3-5% savings on COGS.
- Implemented a NOS replenishment and Vendor Managed Inventory model
facilitating a 12-month rolling forecast and monthly semi-automated orders 60 days
prior to delivery.

• Managed, lead and directed a team of 10 sourcing managers and associates to find
suitable direct, multi-country vendors both internationally and locally to meet the
demands of the various divisions. Developed vendor strategies that delivered on product
and quality expectations, as well as the profit margins and on-time delivery performance
expectations. Managed and controlled my Cost Centre budgets and expenses. Coordinated and assisted in developing and setting standards for the Sourcing office in
Shanghai, China.
Key Achievements:
- Initiated a direct Footwear sourcing strategy and developed the portfolio from
inception to 4.8 million units annually (FOB $12.5m), showing a cost savings of 7.2%
on COGS. I held strategic responsibility for managing international supplier
relationships for the footwear portfolio of 36 Million pairs of shoes and 12 Million
pieces of Accessories for all Brands within the Edcon Group.
- Initiated a direct Accessories sourcing strategy and developed the portfolio from
inception to 1.9 million units a year (FOB $2.1m) showing a cost savings of 8.1% on
COGS.
- Working with local manufacturers and component suppliers, I initiated and directed
a Quick Response and Fast Fashion solution for two of the biggest Footwear
silhouettes (Pumps/Ballerina and Beach Sandals). This program went from concept
to over 650 000 units a year reducing the lead times from 150 days to 30 days.
- Sourced and tested 33 new Global Footwear factories with 15 factories onboarded.
In addition, sourced and tested 19 new Global Accessories factories with 9 factories
onboard.

• I led a team of 5 buyers to spearhead our entry into the sporting market,
collaborating closely with international athletes to develop products tailored to their
needs. This partnership was pivotal in elevating our in-house brand to become one
of the most prominent names in the South African market today. By meticulously
analyzing sales trends and customer behaviors across our 940 stores, we identified
distinct market segments and devised tailored strategies for each. I drove the
innovation behind new product development, constantly seeking out market
opportunities to ensure sustainable growth. My role also involved presenting
comprehensive management reports to the Board of Directors, offering insights into
current purchasing activities and strategic recommendations for the future.
Key Achievements:
- Built an extensive range of technical and lifestyle sporting footwear, equipment and
outdoor ranges. With Accessories, this portfolio represented 42% of the total
business sales.
- The Footwear portfolio went from concept to 800k units in 2010 (74% private label).
The Equipment and Outdoor portfolio went from concept to 1,3m units (81% private
label).
- In the last two years, grew Sales in Footwear by 49.3% to a turnover of R101 million
and Equipment and Outdoor by 43.8% to a turnover of R116 million.
- Researched, developed, co-designed and launched four private label brands (Maxed,
Trail, Wasp and Promaster) in the South African market. The most successful single
range being the Maxed opening priced, technical running shoe range that grew by
191% in two years to 130 000 units sold in 2010. It was unprecedented in the Western
World for a new brand to rival international Sports brands with such dominance in
such a short period of time.
- Designed and developed tailor-made, technical sport shoes for endorsed provincial
and national sport athletic celebrities. This included the Mr Price Running team who
achieved gold medals in the famous Two Oceans Marathon, South African Cricketers
(Dale Steyn, Albie Morkel and Morne Van Wyk), Natal Sharks Rugby and International
Players (Bradley Barritt, Bismarck Du Plessis, Adrian Jacobs, Keegan Daniel and Jean
Deysel), South Africa #1 Squash Player (Adrian Hansen) together with former
Wimbledon Finalist (Kevin Curran) amongst others.
- Improved stock turn by 109% in Footwear and 60% in Outdoor and Equipment from
2008 to 2010.
- Improved GMROI by 148% in Footwear and 61% in Outdoor and Equipment from
2008 to 2010.

• Managed retail spaces up to 3500 sqm with a team of 30-50, overseeing recruitment,
training, and performance evaluations.
• Analyzed product performance, optimized stock levels, and maintained financial
oversight.
• Built and managed a database of over 2000 loyal customers, facilitated regular
communications.
• Led planning and execution of the Comrades Expo stand and organized 12 road race
watering points.
• Collaborated with a professional football team on halftime marketing initiatives,
boosting engagement and brand visibility.