Avinash George

Seasoned and visionary retail executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across fashion, pharmacy and supermarket retail. Proven record of building purpose, people and profit through strategic planning, operational excellence, financial management, business transformation, property growth, stakeholder engagement and talent development. Experienced in leading large multi-site operations, driving value creation, and delivering sustainable business growth across South Africa and Lesotho.

General Manager: Central Operations - ACKERMANS - South Africa and Lesotho

(2022-01)

Senior leadership role within the Ackermans Leadership Forum. Lead strategy, operations, profitability and people performance across Central South Africa and Lesotho. Manage a R3 billion business across 2 countries and 5 provinces.

• Lead divisional field structures across operations, HR, risk and visual merchandising
• Own business value creation plans, operational frameworks and three-year strategic plans
• Drive P&L performance, cost optimisation, property growth and lease renewals
• Partner with CEO, EXCO, Supply Chain, Commercial and support teams
• Support growth of financial services and fintech initiatives
• Lead store design, store enhancement and future-store concepts

Operations Manager - CLICKS GROUP

(2018-01 - 2022-12)

Managed a 16-store network with turnover of approximately R500 million. Owned regional sales, profitability, compliance and operational execution.

• Full P&L accountability and KPI management
• Built partnerships with hospitals, suppliers and healthcare stakeholders
• Led store openings, revamps and enlargements
• Project leadership role in the national COVID-19 vaccination rollout

Stores Operations Manager - EDCON / EDGARS

(2015-01 - 2018-12)

Led flagship stores and international standalone brand formats. Managed operational teams and store performance.

• Full accountability for sales, stock, financial services and profitability
• Delivered merchandise execution and customer experience strategies

Project Manager: Lean Retailing & Store Optimisation - EDCON GROUP

(2012-01 - 2015-12)

Implemented Lean Retailing across Edgars and Jet. Redesigned store processes to improve productivity and profitability.

• Led retail optimisation, store design and change management initiatives
• Developed store visitation methodologies and performance standards

Training & Development Manager - SHOPRITE CHECKERS

(2008-01 - 2012-12)

Established and led provincial learning and development academy. Managed training budgets, succession planning and talent development.

• Partnered with SETAs, universities and training providers
• Implemented learnerships, skills programmes and leadership development initiatives

HR Consultant: Learning & Development - EDCON GROUP

(2004-01 - 2008-12)

• Managed learning projects, recruitment initiatives and development programmes
• Facilitated training, assessments and capability-building interventions

Senior Management Development Programme - Stellenbosch University (2021-01 - 2021-12)

Bachelor of Human Resource Management - Human Resource Management - Nelson Mandela University (1999-01 - 2003-12)