Sharmalan Godwin Pillay is a senior retail management professional with over 17 years of experience in retail operations, mall management, and new business set-ups. He currently serves as the Head of Centrepoint for the Egypt territory at Landmark Group, where he manages Centrepoint stores with a turnover of over $56 million. Prior to his current role, he held area manager and store manager positions with Landmark Group and Pepkor in the UAE and South Africa. He has a proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth across multiple retail assignments.

1. Sharmalan Godwin Pillay
Unit 2, Building 8, Village Compound, Egypt
(M) +201067534447 (E) Sharmalan.pillay@landmarkgroup.com
SENIOR RETAIL MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Retail Operations ~ Mall Management ~ New Set-ups
Senior Retail Management professional offering over 17 years of strong, decisive executive leadership in
well-known organisations. The wealth of expertise covers Retail Operations, Marketing, Sales & Distribution,
Customer Relationship Management, Channel Management, Brand /Product Management, Network Planning.
Extensive background in complex and challenging environments with proven ability to represent the company
with Customers and Business Partners. Drive new business through conceptualising strategies, augmenting &
streamlining networks. Strong business acumen with skills to remain on the cutting edge. An accomplished
professional who has successfully managed Business Operations as well as achieved year on year growth in
business and revenue targets across assignments. Astute Entrepreneur who holds the distinction of
establishing business operations; inclusive of Financial Management, Branding etc. across various
assignments.
PROFICIENCY FORTE
General Management
Strategy Planning Financial Management New Initiatives / Set Ups
Policy Formulation Business Plans / Models Project Management
Liaison / Coordination Training & Development Executive Leadership
Business Operations
Retail Operations Business Development Market Penetration
Channel Management Key Account Management Profit Centre Operations
Marketing Strategies Competitor Evaluation Market Intelligence
Brand management Product Promotions / Launches Team Management
Client Servicing Complaint Redressal Supply Chain Management
Merchandising Product Management/ Positioning Inventory Management

2. CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Since Nov’ 2015 till date
LANDMARK GROUP, EGYPT
Head of Centrepoint - Egypt Territory
COMPANY PROFILE-CENTREPOINT
Leading retail conglomerate in the Middle East having presence in over 15 countries with a turnover of USD
4.7 billion.
CENTREPOINT is a one stop shopping destination that houses Babyshop, Splash, Lifestyle, Shoe Mart and
Beautybay under one roof. CENTREPOINT has become the number-one family shopping destination across
the Middle East.
CENTREPOINT has been designed to reflect the dynamism and diversity of the brands it represents and to
leverage their brand equity and appeal. CENTREPOINT offers the same great value for money in a visually
exciting destination for the whole family. It is shaping consumer perceptions, increasing brand worth and
fuelling future growth for the group in the mid-market retail section.
Deliverables and Highlights across the tenure with the organisation include:
Highlights
• Budget achievement of 96.14 of target
• Lfl growth of 4.06 %
• Implementation of Stock loss actions to reduce shrinkage
• Standardization of Store standards to 90 % consistently across all stores in Egypt
• Implementation of the VM standards similar to concept office requirements
• Appointment of Egypt’s first CP VM manager
• Implementation of the Customer service journey in all CP stores across Egypt
• Increased the transparency between the vertical concept managers and Cp to enhance the shopping
experience and operational efficiency
• Implementation of the cashier productivity reports
• Recruitment and training of higher calibre Mall Managers and Assistant Mall Managers in CP
• Retention of talent and reduction in the attrition rate of CP Egypt
Deliverables
• Managing and controlling store operations of all Centrepoint stores across Egypt territory having
turnover of over 56 million USD .
• As a divisional head of Centrepoint for Egypt territory, assuming full P&L responsibility for all
Centrepoint stores in Egypt including the sub brands.( Babyshop, Splash, Shoemart and Lifestyle)
• Manage the four vertical concept managers
• Manage and ensure high staff motivational levels and all staff related issues.
• Manage and further develop an effective Training and Career enhancement program for all retail
staff.
• Steer the management program and ensure its effectiveness.

3. • Achieve sales by close liaison with the category management team.
• Monitor, review and manage KPI’s to achieve store wise, profitability.
• To ensure that compliance to Centrepoint policies on security are maintained at all times.
• To ensure that general events / promotions are understood by the store Manager and properly
managed within the agreed timescales.
• To implement consistent retail operations processes and systems to support operational effectiveness
• Develop and run store incentive scheme.
• Develop and execute turnaround plans for non performing stores.
• Responsible to orchestrate undertaking of projects such as existing/new store refurbishment,
launch/closure of stores.
• Assist in new projects, rent negotiation and marketing activities.
• Assist with store-wise budget formulations.
• Initiate/adhere established Retail policy on processes/returns/exchanges/mark downs etc
• Recruitment & Staffing locally and internationally
• Develop the customer management process in conjunction with marketing services.
• To co-ordinate with corporate facility team to ensure all maintenance and facilities related issues are
resolved within expected timelines and all AMCs are being properly co-ordinated and delivered.
• To deliver sales and profitability targets by optimizing sales opportunities through store performance
management
Since March’14 till Nov’ 2015
LANDMARK GROUP, DUBAI
Area Manager--Retail Operations Centrepoint Stores (UAE territory)
Significant highlights across the tenure with the organisation include:
• Managing and controlling store operations of all 8 Centrepoint stores across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
territory having turnover of 155 million USD.
• Steer the management program and ensure its effectiveness.
• Achieve sales by close liaison with the category management team.
• Monitor, review and manage KPI’s to achieve store wise, profitability.
• To ensure that compliance to Centrepoint policies on security are maintained at all times.
• To ensure that general events / promotions are understood by the store Manager and properly
managed within the agreed timescales.
• To implement consistent retail operations processes and systems to support operational effectiveness
• Develop and execute turnaround plans for non performing stores.
• Responsible to orchestrate undertaking of projects such as existing/new store refurbishment,
launch/closure of stores.
• Assist in new projects, rent negotiation and marketing activities.
• Initiate/adhere established Retail policy on processes/returns/exchanges/mark downs etc
• Recruitment & Staffing.

4. Since 1999 till 2010
PEPKOR ( PEP STORES)
Senior Field Area Manager
COMPANY PROFILE- PEPKOR ( PEP STORES)
Pep is a South African fashion retailer & comprises of local brands. Our range includes some of the leading
fashion, home wear, sportswear, cellular and jewellery brands, as well as a host of innovative financial
services.
Senior Field Area Manager:
For East Coast Area of Flagship’s and new Concept branches responsible for delivering financial revenue of
300 million and development of high calibre Managers and deployment of 300 staff employees.
Main responsibilities include:
 Development and Coaching of Branch Managers to exceed financial targets and deliver KPI
 Development of a dynamic and operationally focused Management structure to successfully operate
Flagship and New Concept branches in delivering their full turnover potential
 Analysis of financial information to depict branch performance trends and have improvement
contingency in place for any branch performance off track
 Coaching and Mentoring the development of Corporate Business Managers
 Communicate regional business plan, agree sales and operational budgets for all branches
 Maintain stock shrinkage and corruption below 2% in every branch
 Ensure succession plan is in place for continued growth and success of Company
 Set clear direction and purpose for regional support structures to ensure understanding of performance
expectation and manage their performance effectively with Human Resources
 Ensure execution of company initiatives and promotions meet sales budgets and customer
expectations
 Drive sales by identifying new business opportunities
 Inspire confidence and build integral working relationships
 Empower Visual Merchandisers to deliver high brand integrity and consistent lifestyle looks in
Flagship Prestige branches
 Coaching Management teams to achieve above 90% average score from sales teams Mystery Test
Shopping
PEP STORES 2005-2007
Senior Financial Auditor
Main responsibilities include:
 Achieve annual area sales targets, performance standards (KPIs)
 Ensure a pro-active sales development culture is in existence within all branches
 Identify opportunities for improving service standards, driving and improving initiatives such as
Customer service, Head Office and Mystery Shopping Results

5.  Ensure every branch is operating with a highly competent Branch Manager
 Address and rectify behaviour or under performance issues at Branch Manager level
 Identify Managerial potential and ensure appropriate development plans and activities are in place
(Succession Planning)
 Responsible for ensuring 100% compliance in business’s operational policies & procedures
 Ensure branch visual image and environment standards exceed all expectations
 Develop effective working relationships between branch operations and central head office functions
 Ensure that all stores maintain a 2 % or below stock loss
 Facilitate all issues regarding investigations and theft
 Chair all hearings and negotiate settlements with the CCMA
 Protect and audit all assets of the company.
Pep Stores (LTD) Nov 1999 – 2005
Store Manager:
Main responsibilities include:
 Ensure Department annual targets achieved both top line sales and bottom line profit performances
 Recruit, train and develop a high calibre branch management teams
 Ensure department teams adhere to policies & procedures
 Control effectively and minimise financial and stock losses
 Ensure delivery of promotional & marketing activity at branch level and identify new local marketing
opportunities
 Ensure department teams delivers high customer service standards through motivation, effective
communication, and strong management of the Sales Process within
 Deliver an outstanding visually merchandised environment, that creates a superb shopping experience
and buying appetite for customers
 Manage and control expected standards of staff behaviour, motivation and under performance in
conjunction with HR department and in line with formal procedures
Summary of Key Skills
 Written and Verbal Communication
 Personal Integrity
 Planning and Organising
 Superb negotiation & Influencing
 Exceptional Customer Service
 Performance Management
 Counselling and Coaching
 Disciplinary Expertise
 Commercial Acumen
 Recruitment and Selection Expertise
 Outstanding Interpersonal Conduct
 Drive
 Inspirational Leadership
Education and Qualifications

6. • Diploma in retail management – University of South Africa
• Grade 12 Certificate - Raisethorpe Secondary School
References Available On Request

7. • Diploma in retail management – University of South Africa
• Grade 12 Certificate - Raisethorpe Secondary School
References Available On Request