AYA MBANEFO

Currently directs global concept and product development, retail operations, and digital transformation for luxury brands, driving market expansion and team development.

• Managed global concept and product development, successfully launching and operating new retail stores, along with licensing and franchise models.
• Led comprehensive business and operational transformation initiatives, successfully transitioning processes into the digital age.
• Directed business development, brand acquisition, and real estate/leasing management, expanding online presence and brand reach across the GCC.
• Oversaw worldwide licensing of brands and trademarks, ensuring global compliance and market penetration strategies.
• Actively participated in the recruitment and development of high-performing retail operations and head office teams.

Spearheaded P&L and operations for 70 fashion and footwear stores, managing a AED 250+ million turnover and 350+ staff across the GCC.

• Managed P&L and comprehensive operations for 70 stores with AED 250+ million turnover and 350+ staff across the GCC, consistently achieving business goals.
• Identified and capitalized on business growth opportunities, strategically expanding existing brands and enhancing profitability, productivity, and efficiency.
• Oversaw product buying, merchandising, marketing, and operational management, optimizing inventory and sales strategies.
• Recruited, trained, motivated, and developed new joiners, building high-performing teams to exceed brand and business expectations.
• Monitored and directed marketing and PR campaigns for assigned brands, enhancing brand visibility and market share.

Directed the re-launch and global expansion of the Gianfranco Ferre brand, overseeing retail operations, financial management, and strategic planning.

• Successfully re-launched the Gianfranco Ferre brand into the global retail market, driving significant market penetration.
• Expanded license, franchise, and wholesale business globally, contributing to increased market presence.
• Directed retail and store operations, financial management, and strategic planning, ensuring operational excellence and profitability.
• Improved efficiency of critical support services including IT, HR, Accounts, and Finance.

Led a fashion business with over 200 million-dirham turnover, managing 36 premium brand shops across Dubai and India with full P&L accountability.

• Achieved full P&L accountability for a business with over 200 million-dirham turnover, managing 36 premium brand shops in Dubai and 4 in India.
• Increased annual turnover by over 30% within 2.5 years through strategic operational and sales initiatives.
• Oversaw critical mall location selection, lease negotiations, and franchise contract management, optimizing retail footprint.
• Managed comprehensive store operations, including sales, buying, marketing, finance, and distribution, to drive business growth.
• Brands managed include Brioni, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Joseph, Shangai Tang, Paul & Shark, Zilli, GF Ferre, Miss Sixty Jeans etc. I launched Hugo Boss in India, with stores at Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.