Rakan Khaleel

Results-driven Retail Operations Director / Head of Retail with 20+ years of experience leading multi-store retail operations across the Middle East (GCC, Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt). Proven track record of driving double-digit sales growth, improving profitability, and building high-performing retail teams across fashion, luxury, sportswear, and fragrance sectors. Skilled in P&L management, retail expansion, KPI optimization, inventory, VM, and team development, with a consistent record of exceeding sales targets and successfully launching new store operations.

Retail Country Manager at ATHE (2026-04 – Present)

Brands: JIC, LOP, OCE, WYCON, MAYORAL, DECENIO

• Leading market entry and business build-out in Iraq, launching 5 new stores in Iraq Mall as part of the initial expansion phase.

Retail Operations Manager at Qadri Company (2023-10 – 2026-03)

• Led retail operations for 8 stores with a total team of 35+ employees, coordinating closely with head office functions.
• Monitored store-level KPIs (ATV, UPT, conversion rate, and sales performance) to drive continuous improvement.
• Improved inventory management and product mix, enhancing overall profitability.
• Negotiated and signed a new HR partnership agreement (Kayan), strengthening team performance monitoring and SOP/KPI compliance.
• Introduced modest-fashion styles aligned with market trends, expanding product relevance.
• Designed a performance-based incentive scheme, sharpening the team's sales focus.
• Established franchise operating standards, extending brand presence into Iraq (Zad stores).
• Implemented a new ERP system (AL Karma - ERP Next), leading the team through full rollout from setup to operational readiness.
• Developed retail staff through structured training and coaching programs.
• Managed full P&L and EBITDA performance for the business unit.

Retail Operations Manager at Al Khanjar Trading (2021-09 – 2022-03)

• Managed operations across 14 perfume and Arabic bukhoor stores.
• Achieved 35% sales growth through improved sales processes and enhanced staff training.
• Built SOPs, HR structures, and new store opening processes; led visual merchandising and like-for-like (LFL) commercial performance analysis.
• Proposed a new manufacturing facility and developed branding and franchise guidelines to support company growth.

Retail Operations Manager / Brand Manager at HEBA Holding (2017-12 – 2019-10)

Brands: UJA, Pimkie, Lion of Porches, Cyclebands, Mellow Yellow

• Played a key role in launching and scaling the business during its startup phase, strengthening leadership and strategic capabilities.
• Managed 17 fashion stores across multiple brands and cities, including 7 stores in Jeddah.
• Delivered training programs in visual merchandising, P&L management, inventory control, and customer service.
• The major challenge was the inventory in all brands what was the key where we have to manage the marketing and seasons needs

Senior Store Manager at Alshaya Group (2014-12 – 2017-08)

• Managed Topshop/Topman stores and led a team of 35 employees.
• Oversaw 3 stores as assistant area lead; restructured store layouts to reduce menswear footprint and expand accessories and womenswear, improving space productivity.
• Guided a store relocation strategy to a higher-traffic zone.
• Visiting & Coached and trained teams on a daily basis, with a strong focus on visual merchandising standards and category-based display optimization to increase customer engagement.

Area Manager at MAF Holding (2009-01 – 2014-07)

Brands: Juicy Couture, A&F

• Progressed from Senior Store Manager to Area Manager, managing 12 Juicy Couture stores and a team of 45 employees.
• Achieved "Best Store" recognition (MOE, 2010), ranked #1 in the Middle East.
• Managed a multicultural team spanning diverse nationalities.
• Optimized fast-moving inventory and replenishment levels; coordinated with Aramex warehouse operations to improve stock accuracy.
• Opened a new flagship DXB luxury store in 2011, elevating the customer experience and contributing to 8% annual growth.
• Led contract negotiations with head office management for the A&F brand partnership.
• Delivered customer service and visual merchandising training across KSA locations (Al Mamlaka and Al Faisaliah).

Store Manager to Operations Manager at Axiom Telecom (Al Bannai Group) (2003-01 – 2008-12)

• Progressed from Store Manager (DCC) to Operations Manager, overseeing 45 stores and a team of 60+ employees.

Bachelor's Degree in Electronic Science – Al-Balqa Applied University (1998-01 – 2001-12)

Professional Certification – Grafton College, London (2007-01 – 2008-12)

Mini MBA – Pioneer Academy (2025-01)