Della Pass (ICF ACC Coach)

Experience

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  Boots The Chemist

  Jan 1996 - Jan 2006

  Buyer
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  Alshaya Group

  Jan 2006 - Sept 2022

  Selected as change leader, co-leading a McKinsey partnered company-wide cost reduction program for organisational restructuring and overall selling, general, and administrative expenses (SG&A) reduction via a zero based approach. Leveraged skills in leadership, change management and financial analysis to gain buy-in from departments and stakeholders while ensuring minimal disruption to essential business operations. Fostered a cost-conscious culture, promoted fiscal responsibility and drove efficiencies. Show less Strategically managed the Boots Pharmacy and Vision Express’ 150 outlets across a 6-country territory. Developed and implemented comprehensive brand strategy, developed budgets for each retail outlet, optimized store performance and enhanced inventory management. Identified and capitalized on expansion opportunities. Ensured compliance with local healthcare and retail regulations. Recruited, trained and managed high-performance team. Provided regular reports to senior management. Optimised operations and reduced costs by ensuring strategic alignment of multiple departments - Buying, Merchandising, Marketing, Online, Operations, Training, HR, Supply Chain, Customer Insights, Space Allocation, Visual Merchandising, Own Brand Portfolio, Property Strategy as well as Store Layout and Design.Delivered best in class organisational health scores with top quartile scores in leadership, direction and innovation and learning with year-on-year improvements for 3 consecutive years.Earned recognition for forging strong relationships with healthcare ministry officials and authorities. Show less Shaped and drove end-to-end execution of the commercial strategy for all GCC trading countries. Collaborated with the executive team to set ambitious revenue targets. Formulated business development objectives, brand building and consumer activation. Identified new business opportunities, target markets and industry trends to capture growth areas. Prioritised a customer-first approach in securing favourable terms and maximising value in negotiating with regional and country-specific suppliers. Optimised on-shelf availability while controlling Open-to-Buy (OTB) budgets and meeting treasury requirements through introduction of effective forecasting and ordering processes. Customised host brand requirements to align with the unique market demands, maintaining high-quality standards for franchise operations.Increased basket size and enhanced customer engagement via a Like-for-Like (LFL) sales growth plan, leveraging customer analytics and direct-to-customer sales initiatives and communication channels. Show less Recruited to helm the opening of the first-ever franchised Boots Pharmacy in Kuwait and continued to lead and execute the brand’s buying strategy. Curated and managed product assortment, negotiated with suppliers, optimized inventory and ensured the highest standards of customer satisfaction. Managed relationships with pharmaceutical and retail suppliers, negotiated terms and maintained strong partnerships to secure favorable pricing and supply agreements. Oversaw visual presentation and layout of products in-store.Constantly improved gross profits in core categories by utilising trends and market insights to inform a customer-first strategy. Spearheaded the business’ digital transformation and creation of the Boots.com local websites and apps across 6 markets in partnership alongside partnering with local aggregators. Show less

  • Vice President Healthcare

    Jan 2021 - Sept 2022

  • Vice President Boots Pharmacy

    Jan 2019 - Jan 2021

  • Commercial Director

    Feb 2017 - Dec 2020

  • Head of Buying & Merchandising

    Jan 2006 - Feb 2017
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  Al Khayyat Investments (AKI)

  Sept 2022 - Oct 2023

  General Manager - BinSina Pharmacy

  Recruited to revitalize this 120-store pharmacy chain’s loss-making operation and culture, develop turnaround strategy, increase profitability and improve market position. Devise operational efficiencies while maintaining high-quality product offerings and exceptional customer service. Analyse financial performance, control costs and identify opportunities for revenue growth. Promote a customer-focused culture. Prepare and present regular reports to owners on business performance, financial results and compliance.Reduced operating loss to return to positive net contribution, delivering the first positive like for like, year-on-year performance since the pre-covid period. Engineered and implemented multi-prong 2-year recovery strategy that:o Included comprehensive strategies for the leasing, buying, merchandising, supply, visual merchandising, marketing and operations functions. o Slashed 16% in operational costs via cost saving initiatives.o Reduced attrition by 40% through a series of people benefit amendments and staff engagement forums. Show less

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  Della Pass Coaching & Mentoring

  Jan 2024 - now

  Business Owner

  Experienced Retail Executive turned Coach and Business Mentor. Dedicated to helping individuals and teams to achieve their full potential. Leveraging 25 years of leadership experience in the retail industry, I specialise in coaching professionals to excel in areas such as leadership development, sales strategies, customer experience enhancement and team performance optimisation.