Imtiaz Ahmed's Resume (Last updated February 7th 2008)

A highly skilled retail management professional and retail business strategic specialist with extensive retail commercial expertise, detailed business knowledge and proven ability to make viable contributions at senior business management level. Well versed in international retail commercial activities with particular focus in South Asia.
Fully conversant with Retail industrial standards and best of breed practices, with a consistent track record in building and operating retail brands. Strong people skills, with proven ability to build successful, cohesive teams and interact well with individuals across all levels of the business.

Communication & Interpersonal
Business Planning
Problem Solving & Change Management
Relationship Building & Development
Leadership & Mentoring
Conflict Management & Resolution

Independent consultancy firm in first year of operation.

• Created a number of Retail commercial business plans, feasibility studies and strategic documents for various retail start up concepts and established retailers.
  

• Administered a number of operational reviews for independent retail organizations.
  

• Administer ATM site acquisitions.
  

Created a multi-store commercial business plan to implement Dewan Stores (Pvt). Took a leadership role as COO to implement the business plan and manage the first year of operations.

• Directed, coordinated and administered the development aspects of the new Dewan Stores brands, Dmart and Fragrancia.
  

• Cratered the budgeted start up and operational costs and directed the investment of Rs. 600 million (USD 9.9 million) for the creating and establishing of the Corporate HQ, three store locations and a 40,000 sq ft central warehouse facility.
  

• Developed and coached the recruitment team to recruit a workforce of over 300 employees in one year.
  

• Conceptualised and created two Retail Brands.
  

• Facilitated the creation of the Retail culture of the organization.
  

• Developed, identified and administered the strategies and action plans for Retail Technology implementation projects.
  

• Forecasted and budgeted the retail growth strategy and associated costs.
  

• Designed and directed the commercial activities, store layouts, merchandising systems and business processes for managing inventory.
  

• Directed and developed the marketing and advertising programs and evaluated effectiveness.
  

• Administered the opening of two stores with a combined retail space of 77,000 sq ft and the conversion of one store of 33,000 sq ft to Dewan Stores management.
  

Design and establish new marketing initiatives, diagnose and improve store management procedures and developed, directed and administered a Sales Based Ordering methodology.

Coordinated and administered various initiatives and projects. Managed the day to day operations for 12 large supermarkets. Stores ranged in size from 3,000 to 8,500 Sq Meters.

• Designed and improved the in store POP materials, weekly promotional activities and other marketing initiatives for all Bindawood Stores.
  

• Designed, developed and catalogued the store operation policies and procedures, including the design of Handbooks, Training documentation and procedural manuals.
  

• Evaluated the effectiveness of communication within the organization and directed the improved communication and coordination procedures between all department using electronic media.
  

• Conceptualised, designed and implemented the Sales Based Ordering system, resulting in SR Five million saving in yearly stock holding costs for the organization.
  

The company was recognized as the first true multi location supermarket brand in Pakistan.

• Administered and coordinated all activates resulting in a profitable operation of all stores.
  

• Designed and directed the store layouts, merchandising systems and business processes for managing inventory.
  

• Developed and coached the recruitment team to recruit a workforce of over 150 employees in one year.
  

• Directed and developed the marketing and advertising programs and evaluated effectiveness.
  

• Developed, identified and administered the strategies and action plans for Retail Technology implementation projects.
  

• Created and administered a staff development program which developed managers internally to enable rapid expansion.
  

• Created, designed and established the five retail stores. A 12,000 sq ft unit in Karachi, 18,000 sq ft ,12,000 sq ft and two 10,000 sq ft units in Lahore.
  

Recognized as the first supermarket concept in Pakistan with sizable foreign and local investment.

• Responsible for profitable operation of the store.
  

• Developed and coached the recruitment team to recruit a workforce of over 450 employees in one year.
  

• Conceptualised and administered the development and implementation of the first Retail ERP in Pakistan.
  

• Designed and directed the store layouts, merchandising systems and business processes for managing inventory.
  

• Administered and supervised day to day operational activities in the store.
  

Sultan Hamdani, Senior Consultant
Maison Consulting & Solutions


A great leader, with never ending hunger for learning, I was impressed with what he achieved in a short span of time for Dewan Stores. This project opened up the doors of the retail industry and other chain stores followed in Karachi after this pioneer project led by Imtiaz. I found him to be strictly fair, demanding, and ethical and a reasonable professional and enjoyed serving his company primarily because it taught me a lot on staying on my toes as well as being rewarded once I delivered what was promised, which is a difficult job when you are in the technology consulting business."

Imran Ali, Senior Systems Analyst
Bin Dawood Superstores


It was really exciting working with him. He used to work with total dedication, devotion and determination. Many difficult projects were completed due to his direct involvement. His contribution in introducing Sales Based Ordering resulted in saving millions from over stock as well as controlling lost sales due to stock non-availability. I stayed in the organization for approx. 2 years after he left but the organization followed the pattern as set by him during his stay.

Arshad Mumtaz, Coordinator Operation & Purchasing
Bin Dawood Superstores


Mr. Imtiaz is superb leader in retail industry, he implemented fantastic systems in our company Sales Base Ordering - Saved lot of Out of Stock and removed Over Stocks which save millions to our company and saved time of many departments. E-Mail - Fast communication tool with exchange server. A Weekly Bulletin of company to inform all major activities to everyone in company who had excess on e-mail.

Baber Malik, HR Director
Blue Salon


It is my pleasure to put these words for Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed. Being a Human Resource Director with over 18 years of experience in the same field I, humbly, can claim that my judgment of one's personality is quite accurate. I have known Mr. Imtiaz for 12 years now and I must say that he is a true professional who is very detailed oriented, dedicated and committed. His innovative style and eagerness to help others with what he knows is worth mentioning here. I wish Mr. Imtiaz best of luck and I feel honored to know him.

Donald MacQueen, General Manager
Gerrys MMI (Pvt) Ltd


I rented space in the supermarkets that Imtiaz set up for Costa Coffee. The negotiations took place during the construction of the first supermarket and I was most impressed to see the the attention to detail and strategic sense he showed. As well as project managing the actual design,construction and staffing, he was also doing this to a vision and strategy he had created for the brand. Any employer would be lucky to have someone in their senior team who has the ability to work at strategic and tactical levels to such a high standard, especially in a country which can have unique difficulties in getting a business off the ground. On a personal level, he has a great stable and supportive family, which I always believe to be a great asset to any executive.

Tracy Manning, Training Manager
Tesco Stores Ltd

Imtiaz demonstrated respect for people and was very open to hearing suggestions from his team for improvements that could be made to the operation.