Piet Kolsch

Global Retail Executive with 25+ years leading multi-country store networks across Europe, North America, and APAC, including up to 1,400 stores and 3,000 employees.

Taiwan Employment Gold

Card holder, authorized to work in Taiwan and committed to relocating to Taipei, bringing international retail leadership experience into the Taiwan market. Proven record of improving retail performance through concept rollouts, market expansion, and disciplined execution within €500M+ P&L environments. Known for brand-led retail leadership, customer experience elevation, and building high-accountability leadership cultures that deliver sustainable growth.

Trusted partner to CEO and Board stakeholders on footprint strategy, expansion decisions, and retail excellence.

Sales Director at Musik Hug AG (Steinway & Sons, Fazioli) (2023-01 – 2025-12)

Led retail growth and premium customer engagement across 7 locations, strengthening sales discipline and team capability. 7 Locations | 190+ Employees | National Premium Retail Network

• Increased annual service sales by 18% through segmentation and targeted activation
• Implemented CRM and standardized sales routines to improve pipeline visibility and conversion
• Elevated service standards and leadership practices to strengthen customer satisfaction and retention

Retail Manager at Patagonia (2022-01 – 2023-12)

Led Berlin and Munich stores through high-visibility ownership transition, improving performance and strengthening brand advocacy. 2 Flagship Stores | 60+ Employees | Full Store P&L

• Delivered +14% sales growth in Berlin and +11% in Munich through execution and team capability uplift
• Rebuilt local leadership structure and reinforced performance management routines
• Supported high-visibility transition and aligned stakeholder engagement with brand purpose

Commercial Operations Director (Hybrid) at transform-architects GmbH (2016-01 – 2024-12)

Led operating model optimization and governance for a family-owned architecture and real estate group across Germany and Greece. Germany & Greece | Multi-Project Portfolio | Cross-Functional Leadership | Full Operational Oversight

• Optimized operating model, procurement, and financial controls, strengthening predictability and project-level profitability
• Standardized workflows and governance structures, removing process bottlenecks and improving on-time, on-budget delivery
• Led cross-functional transformation initiatives, strengthening accountability and execution discipline

Region Europe Director at Benetton Group (United Colors of Benetton & Sisley) (2015-01 – 2016-12)

Led commercial performance and brand execution across 14 European markets (excluding Italy), reporting to Group leadership. 1,400+ Stores | 14 Countries | 3,000+ Employees | Full Regional P&L

• Rolled out Canvas concept across 45 stores, delivering 18% sales uplift and stronger brand consistency
• Strengthened cross-country campaigns and market feedback loops to improve responsiveness and visibility
• Built leadership alignment and execution discipline across markets to improve retail performance

Retail Director Europe at Cotton On Group (2013-01 – 2015-12)

Led European market and pilot performance, integrating regional execution with APAC and North America. 6 Pilot Stores | European Market Entry & Exit | Full Regional P&L

• Optimized 6 pilot stores to validate commercial viability and operating model fit
• Built local leadership structure and core routines across retail calendar, stock flow, and execution
• Delivered structured market exit with minimal legal/financial exposure, informing revised expansion strategy

Head of Retail (Multi-Country) at Tally Weijl (2011-01 – 2013-12)

Led retail performance across five European markets, strengthening growth delivery and leadership capability. 450 Stores | 5 Countries | 2,100+ Employees | Full Multi-Market P&L

• Drove KPI performance across sales, cost, and EBITDA through disciplined field execution
• Scaled leadership bench and succession pipelines across markets to support growth
• Standardized retail operating routines to improve consistency and customer experience

Regional Sales Manager Switzerland & Austria at Claire's Accessories (2010-01 – 2011-12)

Led regional retail performance across Switzerland and Austria, improving execution and profitability. 90 Stores | 2 Countries | 7 District Managers | Regional P&L

• Improved labor productivity through workforce planning and promotional execution discipline
• Strengthened regional coaching cadence and field performance routines across districts
• Directed store openings and remodels while protecting EBITDA targets

Store Leader at Apple Retail (2008-01 – 2009-12)

Led Zurich and Munich flagships combining commercial performance focus with Apple's global retail standards. 2 Flagship Stores | 120+ Employees | Full Store P&L

• Delivered flagship performance through talent development, standards and customer experience discipline
• Opened Zurich flagship and supported international launches across EMEA and APAC
• Led manager training and business cadence to strengthen cross-market alignment

Progressive Roles across France, USA, Germany at Esprit (2003-01 – 2008-12)

Held progressive leadership roles across France, USA, and Germany, driving expansion and performance. 44-Store Expansion | €80M+ Revenue | Multi-Store Leadership

• Expanded French network from 13 to 44 stores (+238%) within 36 months
• Built U.S. retail footprint (flagship + satellites + outlet), hiring and training 150+ staff
• Managed €45M region in Germany, delivering disciplined expansion and performance routines

Training & Development Manager Retail at IKEA (2002-01 – 2002-12)

Led national retail leadership development across Sweden, strengthening capability at scale. 13 Stores | 400+ Managers | National Leadership Development Program

• Delivered Situational Leadership II (SLII) training, building leadership consistency
• Built retail competency calendar and field training routines
• Recognized for "high reliability" and "retail expertise"

Progressive Management, France & Germany at Gap Inc. (1995-01 – 2002-12)

Progressed through multi-store roles across France and Germany, owning performance and P&L delivery. France & Germany | Multi-Store Operations | Full Store P&L

• Progressed from Assistant Store Manager to Store Manager to Area/Operations roles across markets
• Opened and stabilized key flagships, driving sales and profitability targets
• Led multi-country readiness initiatives and controls to strengthen performance

International Leadership and Organizational Behavior – Università Bocconi (2026-05)

Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies – Università Bocconi (2025-12)

AI-Driven Leadership Strategies for the Future – Stanford University (2025-12)

Executive Programs – Harvard Business School (2024-12)

Business Management – ESB Business School / NEOMA Business School