Hiking
Marius Wessels
Country Manager
Cape Town
Summary
As a brand & strategic commercial leader, had the privilege of working with top global brands and their in various management & leadership roles, transforming businesses across RETAIL, wholesale and E-commerce channels within Southern Africa.
A customer-oriented General Manager with 20 years of experience focused on increasing revenues and expanding margin. Meticulous leader and strategic planner with comprehensive managerial acumen, offering vision and motivational acumen.
Lead with focus, people and results which is at the heart of the working philosophy.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Country General Manager
Guess EU SAGL
10.2021 - Current
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure efficient communication and collaboration in achieving organizational goals. F23/F24 RTL budgets exceeded by 16%+.
- Evaluated competitive landscape and devised innovative strategies to outperform competitors in the marketplace. 10% market share growth F24.
- Implemented and managed financial plans, enhancing budget control and financial reporting accuracy.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for market expansion, resulting in increased market share and brand visibility.
- Implemented effective sales strategies that led to significant revenue growth year over year. FY24 Retail +16% total business +18%.
- Oversaw employee recruitment, training, and development initiatives to build high-performance teams capable of driving business growth.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring smooth functioning of all retail departments.
- Launched new products successfully by coordinating targeted marketing efforts, employee training sessions, and in-store promotions.
- Maximized store profitability with effective budgeting, cost control, and revenue generation tactics. EBITDA +6% increase.
- Championed customer-centric culture, empowering employees to provide personalized solutions that exceed expectations while cultivating long-term loyalty among clientele.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through exceptional service and staff training programs.
- Increased employee retention rates by providing ongoing professional development opportunities and recognizing outstanding performance.
- Fostered positive work environment through strong leadership and team building initiatives.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating favorable terms for product sourcing and delivery schedules.
General Manager
Diesel
03.2008 - 10.2021
- Established comprehensive employee training programs to develop skills, improve productivity, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.
- Implemented effective cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses without compromising quality or service.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives that enhanced operational performance across all departments.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams on various projects/initiatives aimed at enhancing organizational performanceresults.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Implemented robust inventory management systems to optimize stock levels and minimize waste/costs associated with excess product storage.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
Brand Manager
Diesel
12.2003 - 04.2008
- Coordinated with regional management to align store operations with broader company objectives, ensuring consistent performance across all locations.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and adjust merchandising plans accordingly for maximum revenue generation.
- Increased store revenue by implementing effective sales strategies and training staff on customer engagement techniques.
- Oversaw visual merchandising efforts, creating appealing displays that showcased products effectively and drove sales growth.
- Implemented loss prevention strategies to minimize theft incidents significantly impacting bottom-line results.
- Managed budgeting process, ensuring optimal allocation of resources across various departments while maintaining profitability targets.
- Reduced employee turnover by fostering a positive work environment, offering competitive compensation packages, and providing clear advancement opportunities.
- Led cross-functional teams on strategic projects aimed at boosting operational efficiency and driving long-term success.
Senior Product Line Manager
Nike
09.2000 - 11.2003
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and career development opportunities.
- Drove innovation within the product line by identifying emerging trends in the industry and incorporating them into future designs.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, leading to improved product line performance.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers, reducing costs while maintaining high standards of quality.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and driving project success.
- Analyzed competitor offerings to identify areas of opportunity for differentiation and growth.
- Optimized supply chain operations for enhanced efficiency and reduced lead times.
- Reviewed sales, customer concerns, and new opportunities to drive business strategy at weekly planning sessions.
Education
N.Dip. Business Management - Business Economics
Pretoria University of Technology
South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Strategic Thinker
Store operations & Visual Merchandising
Store development
Merchandise planning
Merchandising Strategies
Business Analytics
Customer experience
Performance Analysis
Financial Management & Budget development
Inventory Management
Retail Recruitment
Business Management
Interests
Cooking
Gardening
Timeline
Country General Manager
Guess EU SAGL
10.2021 - Current
General Manager
Diesel
03.2008 - 10.2021
Brand Manager
Diesel
12.2003 - 04.2008
N.Dip. Business Management - Business Economics
Pretoria University of Technology
04.2001 -
Senior Product Line Manager
Nike
09.2000 - 11.2003