Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Hanan Sawaya

Hanan Sawaya

New York

Summary

Experienced operations and merchandising executive with 20+ years in retail business growth and inventory optimization. Achievements include successful store openings, effective seasonal product planning, and impactful commercial merchandising on a global scale. Proficient in driving efficiency improvements, waste reduction, and customer engagement through strategic retail initiatives. Strong leadership capabilities with a history of cultivating high-performing teams.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Commercial & Creative Merchandising Consultant

Kayani_dxb
02.2019 - 04.2025
  • Consulted on merchandising, stock efficiency, and operational strategies for startups in retail sector.
  • Created impactful visual store displays that increased foot traffic and customer engagement.
  • Enhanced clients' assortment planning processes, leading to reduced overstock and improved sell-through.
  • Launched Kayani_dxb, a sustainable fashion line merging cultural craftsmanship with upcycling techniques.

Leading Retail Manager

Barwa General Trading – Dubai
03.2017 - 01.2019
  • Oversaw operations for Gerry Weber & Eden Park across UAE, focusing on multi-store merchandising and sales strategies.
  • Attained 35% reduction in leftover stock through strategic forecasting and allocation.
  • Successfully opened three new stores, achieving profitability in the first year.
  • Developed operational policies and provided team training, resulting in 15% improvement in sales productivity and cost efficiency.

Product Manager

Souq.com/Amazon
02.2013 - 01.2017
  • Oversaw merchandising and pricing strategies for fashion division across UAE, KSA, and Egypt.
  • Spearheaded integration of fashion operations into Amazon post-acquisition, decreasing inefficiencies by 20%.
  • Optimized pricing and promotional strategies, achieving 30% year-over-year sales growth.
  • Analyzed metrics to evaluate product performance and inform strategic decisions.
  • Collaborated with sales, marketing, and support teams for timely, budget-compliant product launches.
  • Maintained strong vendor relations to foster productive partnerships.
  • Managed complete product lifecycle, ensuring consistent quality control from ideation to post-launch support.

Regional Manager

Mango Spain
01.2004 - 01.2013
  • Oversaw 35 stores across 7 countries, managing $100M in annual turnover.
  • Increased regional sales by 60% through strategic merchandising and seasonal product planning.
  • Opened 40 new stores, achieving consistent profitability and brand alignment.
  • Revamped regional processes to improve operational efficiency, resulting in 15% cost reduction.
  • Supervised staff to optimize brand expansion initiatives and productivity.
  • Developed and executed successful business plans that resulted in improved market share and profitability within the region.

Operations & Merchandising Manager

Azadea Group
01.1995 - 12.2003
  • Led merchandising efforts for Max Mara, Sportmax, and Mango, resulting in the launch of 12 new stores.
  • Aligned seasonal planning with market demand to exceed sales targets on a consistent basis.
  • Boosted inventory turnover by twenty-five percent via improved replenishment and allocation tactics.
  • Administered pricing and markdown strategies, elevating profitability margins by ten percent.
  • Fostered staff retention and productivity through comprehensive training and development programs.
  • Completed monthly profit and loss performance reports.

Education

High School Diploma -

Elementary School Dhour El Choueir
Lebanon

Business Studies -

Technical & Language Center
Lebanon

Skills

  • Operational merchandising and stock management
  • Seasonal product planning and forecasting
  • Store openings and expansion
  • Visual merchandising
  • Market-based pricing and profit optimization
  • Team leadership and training

Certification

  • Merchandising Training (Oxford Street, London – Mango) | 2004
  • Merchandising & Window Dressing Training (Max Mara HQ, Reggio Emilia, Italy) | 1998

Languages

Arabic
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
English
Full Professional

Timeline

Commercial & Creative Merchandising Consultant

Kayani_dxb
02.2019 - 04.2025

Leading Retail Manager

Barwa General Trading – Dubai
03.2017 - 01.2019

Product Manager

Souq.com/Amazon
02.2013 - 01.2017

Regional Manager

Mango Spain
01.2004 - 01.2013

Operations & Merchandising Manager

Azadea Group
01.1995 - 12.2003

High School Diploma -

Elementary School Dhour El Choueir

Business Studies -

Technical & Language Center

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