Currently…

AllSaints and John Varvatos - Head of Property (2023 - Fractional)

Since the start of 2023, I have been Head of Property for AllSaints and John Varvatos in UK, EU and North America.

Coordinating and collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver strategic objectives and protect the brand’s strong physical presence in their largest retail markets.

The brand conducted a CVA in 2020, which was instrumental in ensuring their long-term viability, altering some lease terms after gaining the required support from creditors. As the CVA period ended this year, there were over 50 Landlord negotiations to conduct before the end of the summer.

We have undertaken a substantial transatlantic project, alongside improvements in deal processes, approvals, feasibilities, internal updates as well as coordination and communication of the property strategy.

Working closely with the CEO, CFO, Retail Director, Legal Team, Store Design Director and agents in the UK, North America and Europe throughout. 

By taking responsibility for property matters from the internal teams, I've driven significant savings, added value and allowed them to focus on their other priorities (the day job!).  I have also been able to give external partners clear and timely instructions, which has been of benefit to both parties. 

The project has required between 3 to 5 days per week on a flexible basis tailored to the workload. Operating with a hybrid approach, from home or office as required, and travelling throughout the markets when necessary.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR PROJECT WORK OR FRACTIONAL ROLES

In -House EXPERience

Brewdog (2022)

Joined one of the UK’s fastest-growing brands to enhance its portfolio of bars and hotels in the UK and non-franchise global territories. Taking on the newly formed role of Head of Property (Retail) I worked closely with finance, special projects, legal and retail.

• This was an exciting opportunity to use the skills, developed in fashion retail, within a new sector. The role was to focus on growth through expansion in the UK, EU and internationally.

• Leading acquisitions of managed locations (bars and hotels), landlord negotiations and aiming to achieve capex light growth through landlord contributions.

• Refining the existing portfolio and finding solutions for the underperforming (tail) locations, including; disposals, sublets and re-gears.

Economic headwinds and Truss/Kwarteng led to a business restructure and the opportunity to start-up as a consultant was born.

Ted Baker (2019 - 2022)

After moving to this global PLC as Retail Property Manager I progressed to Head of Property in 18 months. These were both new roles within the business and I fully established the Property function within Ted.

• Leading a small team and working with all stakeholders we delivered game-changing results and enabled business transformation in a challenging micro and macro environment.

• Focusing on modernising and improving the real estate portfolio, circa 120 locations, and processes to deliver profitability and brand expansion.

• Over £10m of fixed cost savings in global property costs achieved.

• Lead role across UK, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Belgium, Spain, South Africa and North America. Developing strategy, store openings, disposals, exercising/leveraging breaks, renegotiations, lease or statutory obligations.

• Key involvement in executing the £78m sale and leaseback of the office building (The Ugly Brown Building) near St Pancras, London.

• Identified and acquired new Global HQ of 35,000 sq ft in Fitzrovia, London. Delivering a c. £15m saving vs previous office, supporting brand transformation and establishing new ways of working.

AllSaints (2009 - 2019)

Starting my career with AllSaints in Retail Operations after graduating, I became involved in property early on to assist with the brand’s rapid international expansion.

Property

• Managed a global portfolio of over 100 leases (Retail, Office and Warehouse) including sub-lets. Negotiated commercial terms for new leases, lease renewals and rent reviews both direct and using external advisors in the UK, US, Canada and Europe.

• Millions of pounds worth of savings achieved by challenging Landlords and coordinating external advisors to ensure cost efficiency on rateable values, service charges and all other additional property overheads.

• Working closely with the Store Design and Construction team to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

• Supporting the CEO and CFO in planning and implementing the property strategy and advising on lease term sections of feasibility documents that are presented to the Board of Directors.

• Creating and maintaining the property database which summarised leases and agreements for over 250 locations (including concessions) as well as a calendar of key dates such as break clauses and expiries.

Insurance

• Managing brokers/insurers on insurance programmes and achieving cost-efficient cover for all assets, liabilities and activities globally with premiums of c. £1m.

• Ensuring effective premium spend and saving five figure sums at renewal.

• Coordinating the annual insurance renewal process by gathering information from across the business in the UK and worldwide and the implementation of Cyber Insurance Policy.

• Managing, monitoring and resolving all claims in line with the best interests of the business.

Brand Protection

• Instructing outside counsel and registrars in the management, updating and refining of trade mark and domain portfolios comprising over 1,000 registrations.

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