AHTISHAM SHAFI

Mobile: 00971 55 4527928

E-mail: ahtisham_k@hotmail.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahtisham-shafi-5523a515/

SUMMARY

§  Result driven professional with a successful career over 18 years managing distribution, procurement, brand building and business development functions for reputed consumer electronics and home appliances companies in India & ME Markets.

§  Possess expertise in working in international and multicultural environments with the distinction of exploring new products and markets.

§  Adept in managing entire trading activities encompassing product sourcing, procurement, quality control, compliance and distribution.

§  Strong organizer, motivator, team player and a decisive leader.

§  An effective communicator with excellent interpersonal & relationship management skills.

SPECIALITIES

P&L Management, Market Intelligence, Competitive Analysis, Strategic Planning, Business Development, Team Leadership, Team Management, Negotiation, Product Procurement, Category Management, Key Account Management, Contract Management, Licensing Management, Operations Management, Retail Management

STRENGTH

§  Team building, Perseverance, Keen eye on detail

EXPERIENCE

Head of Sales & Category Management – Better Life LLC, UAE, Aug’17 – Ongoing

Responsibilities:

§  Leading a team of 45 people with full P&L responsibility of Distribution & Direct Sales Divisions.

§  Setting and review KPIs for distribution & direct sales divisions.

§  Managing distribution across UAE for principal brands including Siemens, SMEG, Zanussi, Vestfrost, Solis, Hostess and Forbes.

§  Managing all sales channels including Modern trade, Traditional trade, E Commerce & Re-Exports.

§  Managing ROI across all sales channels.

§  Improve efficiencies through better processes and continuously seek improvements.

§  Coaching and training sales teams for better client facing and optimal customer satisfaction.

§  Leveraging the current system to provide data analytics for better decision making.

§  Managing effectively relationship with principals, suppliers and customers.

Achievements:

§  Achieved double digit revenue growth YOY.

§  Increased market share by 5% across major categories.

§  Grew business with Sharaf DG & Carrefour by 30% & 25% respectively.

§  Negotiated and launched SOLIS exclusive agency specialized in Small Domestic Appliances & Personal Care categories.

§  Negotiated and re-launched Terim under licensing arrangement.

§  Identified and sourced new categories which drove up profit by 20%.

§  Optimized resources and slashed cost by 8%.

§  Reduced unsecured credit exposure by 90%.

§  Improved cash flow by negotiating higher credit limits from suppliers.

Senior Manager Private Label, Licensing & International Business – Better Life LLC, UAE, April’16 – July’17

§  Lead independent business vertical catering to UAE and overseas markets.

§  Negotiated Licensing arrangements for Telefunken.

§  Developed in house private brand Wolf Power.

§  Realigned categories and developed profitable product lines.

§  Restructured entire sales channel and brand positioning.

Area Exports Manager, Electronics Group – Alghanim Industries, Kuwait, August’08 – December’14

§  Launched Wansa through distributor network in GCC, Africa & Asia.

§  Established UAE operations to cater local and re-export markets.

§  Positioned Wansa one step up from OEM brand cluster perception.

§  Extensively exposed brand through ATL & BTL activities.

Sales & Product Manager – V. V & Sons LLC, UAE, Jan’06 – July’08

§  Developed sourcing process for Sansui Brown & White Goods.

§  Streamlined SKUs and build new product range with higher GM.

§  Launched Sansui Kitchen Appliances categories.

§  Recruitment, training and building competent sales team.

§  Launched exports business channel and developed distributor network across GCC & Africa.

Assistant Manager, Exports Division – Nikai Gulf FZCO, Sep’04 – Dec’05

§  Managed and supported KSA distributor.

§  Proposed KSA direct operations route which is major revenue contributor to organization.

Area Manager, Akai India Limited, India, Mar’00 – Aug’04

§  Lead a team of 3 Sales Executives.

§  Managed channel distribution in Pune, North & South Maharashtra.

LEAN SIX SIGMA YELLOW & WHITE BELT

EDUCATION

§  MBA– Marketing, Pune University, Year 2000, 1st Class

BSc – Electronics, Kashmir University, Year 1997, 1st Class