Tobias Grimm

Strategic leader skilled in driving revenue growth and enhancing customer satisfaction. Strong track record of optimising operational efficiency and maximising profitability. Proven ability to develop and execute effective retail sales strategies that propel business success.

Expert in analysing market trends and implementing innovative solutions to stay ahead of the competition. Exceptional communicator with a talent for motivating and leading teams to achieve corporate goals. Adept at identifying opportunities for business expansion.

Experienced leader in various change projects. Committed to delivering excellence and driving continuous improvement in all aspects of retail operations.

BLB Brasilian Lovebrands GmbH, Munich 2023 – 2024

Managing Director

Directed the launch of Chilli Beans, a globally leading sunglasses brand, into the Austrian and German market. Developed a comprehensive business plan outlining a EUR 1M investment strategy over two years. Restructured the corporate organisation to establish clear ownership and accountability across logistics, e-commerce, IT, and other departments. Setting up a suitable HR structure and hiring, training and leading the team.

Selected Accomplishments:

• Led the expansion into two new countries, establishing seven locations.
• Secured favourable lease agreements through negotiation, overseeing the preparation for all store openings.
• Managed team performance and ensured profitability by overseeing all aspects of the P&L (profit and loss) statement.

Peek & Cloppenburg Holding B.V., Vienna 2020 – 2023

Head of Expansion

Promoted to a position of increasing scope and responsibility to lead market entry in the Western Balkans and prepare for market entry in Italy in fall 2024. Analysed company and market data to derive regional expansion strategies and evaluate specific location opportunities. Conducted comprehensive on-site evaluations of 200 locations across Austria (AT), Italy (IT) and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Streamlined project execution and fostered collaborative stakeholder engagement to achieve project goals, maintaining project schedules by anticipating challenges and escalating issues for timely solutions. Employed continuous risk assessment and structured analysis to identify and address potential roadblocks, optimising project outcomes. Led the restructuring of opening processes and effectively managed change to improve efficiency and expedite new location launches.

Selected Accomplishments:

• Spearheaded the successful launch of Anson's in new markets across Central and Eastern Europe, including the Czech Republic (CZ), Croatia (HR), and Romania (RO).
• Led the design, roll-out, and customisation of four new Anson's stores.
• Successfully designed of a small-space concept for stores with limited retail space.

Peek & Cloppenburg KG, Vienna 2012 – 2019

Store Manager Flagship Store, 2016 – 2019 

Experienced positive career growth within the company, progressing from department manager to associate manager in central sales management and ultimately serving as store manager. Assumed greater responsibility and ownership of complex tasks, demonstrating a strong ability to learn and adapt. Led 400+ employees and 10 managers at the Vienna flagship store, the group's top-performing store with over 12,000 sqm of space, generating sales of EUR 80M annually.

Devised and executed sales strategies to boost key performance indicators (KPIs) and maximise turnover, including planning compelling sales promotions, targeted advertising campaigns, and engaging events. Developed and implemented visually compelling store designs and optimised product placement to drive customer engagement and sales. Maintained optimal inventory levels while fostering a customer-centric environment through comprehensive staff training in product knowledge, service quality, and customer interaction.

Prepared and disseminated regular reports on the success of the store, inventory, and customer satisfaction to the company management for analysis and decision-making.

Selected Accomplishments:

• Streamlined management structure, improving operational efficiency.
• Spearheaded a management restructuring initiative, resulting in a cost reduction of 2% of net sales while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Reversed a five-year sales decline, achieving positive sales growth in 2017.

Doctor of Social and Economic Sciences, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, 2020

Master of Science in Management, WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, 2015

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, WFI Ingolstadt School of Management, 2012