Job Description:

We are seeking a visionary and accomplished Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the strategic direction and overall business operations of a leading luxury retail organization across Congo and the West African region. The CEO will be responsible for driving sustainable business growth, strengthening the company's luxury brand portfolio, expanding market presence, maximizing profitability, and delivering an exceptional customer experience across all retail channels. This role requires a transformational leader with extensive experience in luxury retail, premium consumer brands, and international business operations.

Key Responsibilities:

- Define and execute the long-term business strategy, vision, and growth roadmap for the organization across Congo and the West African market.

- Drive revenue growth, profitability, and market expansion through strategic business initiatives and operational excellence.

- Lead the overall P&L management, ensuring achievement of financial targets, EBITDA, revenue growth, and shareholder value.

- Develop and strengthen the organization's luxury retail portfolio while maintaining global brand standards and premium customer experiences.

- Identify new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and business expansion initiatives across emerging markets.

- Build and maintain strong relationships with global luxury brands, principals, suppliers, distributors, investors, and key stakeholders.

- Lead merchandising, assortment planning, pricing strategies, category management, and inventory optimization to maximize profitability.

- Establish customer-centric strategies that enhance brand loyalty, customer retention, and premium shopping experiences.

- Oversee retail operations across multiple stores, ensuring consistency in operational standards, service quality, visual merchandising, and compliance.

- Drive digital transformation initiatives, including omnichannel retailing, eCommerce integration, CRM, and customer engagement programs.

- Develop annual business plans, budgets, financial forecasts, and strategic investment plans.

- Monitor key business metrics, retail KPIs, market trends, competitive intelligence, and consumer behavior to drive informed decision-making.

- Build and mentor a high-performing executive leadership team while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.

- Ensure strong corporate governance, risk management, legal compliance, and adherence to international business standards.

- Represent the organization with government authorities, regulatory agencies, luxury brand partners, financial institutions, and industry associations.

- Drive ESG, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility initiatives aligned with organizational values.

- Lead organizational transformation, change management, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.

Required Skills:

- Strategic Business Leadership

- P&L Management

- Business Growth Strategy

- Luxury Retail Management

- Retail Operations

- Brand Management

- Commercial Strategy

- Business Development

- Market Expansion

- Customer Experience Management

- Omnichannel Retail Strategy

- Merchandising & Category Management

- Financial Planning & Budgeting

- Corporate Governance

- Profitability Management

- Business Transformation

- Executive Leadership

- Change Management

- Stakeholder Management

- Investor & Board Relations

- Strategic Partnerships

- Sales & Revenue Management

- Supply Chain Oversight

- Risk Management

- Digital Transformation

- Team Leadership & Organizational Development

Preferred Qualifications:

- MBA or Master's Degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related discipline.

- 25-30 years of progressive leadership experience in Luxury Retail, Premium Fashion, Lifestyle, Jewelry, Watches, Cosmetics, High-End Consumer Goods, or Luxury Brand Management.

- Minimum 5 years in executive leadership roles such as CEO, COO, Managing Director, Country Head, Business Head, Retail Director, or Regional Director.

- Proven track record of managing multi-location retail operations, business expansion, and large-scale P&L responsibilities.

- Experience working in Africa, the Middle East, or other emerging international markets will be highly preferred.

- Strong understanding of luxury consumer behavior, premium brand positioning, merchandising, and retail excellence.