Chi Kong Lai
Hong Kong
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work history
Area Manager Retail (Asia)
Canada Gosse
Hong Kong
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Successfully managed and drove sales growth for Canada Goose's flagship stores in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, significantly contributing to the company's expansion in the Asian market.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to enhance customer experience, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty across all retail locations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to optimize store operations, streamline processes, and improve overall efficiency, leading to reduced costs and increased profitability.
- Expertly analyzed market trends and competitor performance to devise targeted marketing campaigns, boosting store traffic and brand awareness in the region.
- Fostered a high-performance team culture by providing ongoing coaching, training, and development opportunities, resulting in improved staff retention and performance metrics.
Head of Retail Asia
Mammut Sports Group Asia Ltd
Hong Kong
01.2017 - 07.2020
- Boosted retail stores' profitability by an average of 35% within 18 months through structural changes, cost optimization, and business initiative implementation.
- Increased retail store productivity by 25% on average by enhancing Go-to-Market strategies, merchandising management, VIP programs, and store operations.
- Developed a retail team across China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Japan, while forming a strategic roadmap in alignment with key stakeholders.
- Collaborated with global teams to raise retail standards, ensuring continuous updates and the implementation of best practices.
- Enhanced the profitability of the Taiwan distributor through strategic agreements, trade terms, and investment decisions.
Senior Retail Manager Asia
VF Hong Kong Limited (Vans & TNF)
Hong Kong
11.2009 - 12.2016
- Led and trained retail teams of up to 50 staff members across China, HK, Korea, Singapore & Malaysia, consistently surpassing annual P&L goals.
- Drove sales and profit improvement through key projects and stakeholder engagement.
- Reduced the cross-country frontline turnover rate by 30%+ and increased revenue per employee by +15% on average through strategic HR practices.
Retail Manager
Yue Ming International Ltd (Converse)
Hong Kong
10.2006 - 11.2009
- Implemented a retail strategy focused on People, Product, Premises, Processes, and Profit to maximize profitability.
- Developed a comprehensive 'Retail deployment schedule' and ensured its implementation through operational coordination.
- Fostered high employee engagement through effective motivation, coaching, and training of team personnel.
Area Manager
Texwood Limited
Hong Kong
07.2005 - 07.2006
Area Manager
Dairy Farm (7-Eleven)
Hong Kong
10.2003 - 08.2005
Sales Manager
Walker shop Footwear Ltd.
Hong Kong, HK-EA
09.2000 - 12.2001
Retail Operations Supervisor
WHK Holding Ltd (United Color of Benetton)
Hong Kong
11.1995 - 07.2000
Sales Associate
Esprit (H.K.) Ltd., Hong Kong
Hong Kong
10.1993 - 11.1995
Education
Form 5 graduated -
Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School,
/1986 - /1992
Leadership Acceleration Program
PDI Ninth House
/2012 - /2012
Effective Negotiation
HKUST Business School
/2011 - /2011
Skills
- Business Operations
- Team Building
- Team Leadership
- Employee Training
- Communication Skills
- Employee Relations
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Effective Time Management
Languages
English
Intermediate
Chinese (Mandarin)
Upper intermediate
Chinese (Cantonese)
Advanced
Timeline
Area Manager Retail (Asia)
Canada Gosse
08.2021 - 10.2022
Head of Retail Asia
Mammut Sports Group Asia Ltd
01.2017 - 07.2020
Senior Retail Manager Asia
VF Hong Kong Limited (Vans & TNF)
11.2009 - 12.2016
Retail Manager
Yue Ming International Ltd (Converse)
10.2006 - 11.2009
Area Manager
Texwood Limited
07.2005 - 07.2006
Area Manager
Dairy Farm (7-Eleven)
10.2003 - 08.2005
Sales Manager
Walker shop Footwear Ltd.
09.2000 - 12.2001
Retail Operations Supervisor
WHK Holding Ltd (United Color of Benetton)
11.1995 - 07.2000
Sales Associate
Esprit (H.K.) Ltd., Hong Kong
10.1993 - 11.1995
Form 5 graduated -
Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary School,
/1986 - /1992
Leadership Acceleration Program
PDI Ninth House
/2012 - /2012
Effective Negotiation
HKUST Business School
/2011 - /2011