Sébastien Farhat

Accomplished retail executive with over two decades of expertise in spearheading operations and crafting strategic initiatives that drive organizational goals. Renowned for leading high-performing teams to exceed business objectives in the retail landscape.

• Creating Value through Financial Decision - HEC Executive Program
• Media communication - Media PR agency
• Communication skills - Washington University
• Leadership - Washington University
• Train the Trainer - MAF Training
• People Management - MAT Training
• Risques des Dirigeants - STASI Law Firm
• Risk Management - Marcel Fournier Institute
• Management of the Changes - Marcel Fournier Institute
• Cap sur la croissance - Delivered by Marc Michel, Economist
• Realization of the Entire Training Package of Carrefour
• Team Management - Marcel Fournier Institute
• Stratégie des alliés - Delivered by Mercuri

• Increased revenue by 50x in eight years of operation management
• Launched multi-format expansion over five years, managing more than 1500 + indirect reports in addition to 45 direct reports.
• Developed the brand concepts model in 3 Countries , creating value for the business and ensuring its sustainability.
• Acquired a competitor in Qatar in 2017 (Spinneys) increasing presence and market share.

• Ali Bin Ali Group, Qatar/Kuwait/KSA, Chief Operating Officer Consumer & High-Tech Retail, 10/23/23, Present, Strategically manage operations and drive growth for Monoprix, Dohatna Innovative Distribution, and Prime Distribution Technology across the region., Successfully led Monoprix’s market expansion, increasing store count from 10 to 16 within two years., Enhanced Dohatna Innovative Distribution’s operational efficiency and profitability by 30% through the implementation of innovative processes and technologies., Pioneered the launch of cutting-edge products and services with Prime Distribution Technology, including smart home devices, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing solutions., Leveraged over 15 years of retail industry expertise to deliver outstanding results in process optimization, strategy development, and team management., Recognized as a visionary leader with a creative approach to problem-solving and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Ali Bin Ali Group, Qatar/Kuwait/KSA, Regional General Manager, 02/15/15, 09/23/23, Strategized and executed a transformative business model, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency and a 15% rise in profitability for ABA Group., Negotiated and secured the Monoprix franchise, leading to a 30% market share growth in the GCC region within three years., Led the design and implementation of strategic initiatives, including financial restructuring, sourcing optimization, and procurement efficiency, achieving a 25% cost reduction., Directed comprehensive advertising campaigns, enhancing brand visibility and contributing to a 40% uplift in customer engagement., Pioneered the launch of innovative retail formats, such as gourmet, organic, and M eateries, which increased foot traffic by 35%., Orchestrated a strategic expansion plan, successfully opening 10 new stores in various formats, resulting in a 50% expansion of the retail footprint.
• MAF Carrefour Lebanon, Lebanon, Vice-President Country Manager, 04/12/12, 01/15/15, Selected by the CEO to open the first Carrefour hypermarket in Lebanon despite a challenging geopolitical and economic environment., Supervised the merchandising, sourcing, procurement, advertising, and assets activity., Negotiated with suppliers and established lasting relationships with partners., Opened the first hypermarket “Carrefour Beirut City Centre”., Strengthened the complete P&L management, Reached the top of mind in 2014, the brand recognition for “Carrefour Hypermarket” despite a strong competition.
• MAF Carrefour Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Hypermarket General Manager, 02/09/09, 03/12/12, Recruited by Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Carrefour from Carrefour France to improve sales, organization, merchandising operations, and profitability., Implemented cost-cutting strategies, productivity activities, and sales incentives to maintain and increase the store's profitability in coming years., Gained in-depth market understanding of Dubai and established comprehensive business plans to counter 2009 economic downturn., Oversaw 45 direct reports and 1600 indirect reports., Led and supervised total reorganization and efficiency of merchandising, resulting in staff reduction from 1780 to 1500., Developed and implemented new pricing strategy that incorporates profitability of discounts, boosting gross margin by 2%., Increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and reduced staff turnover by 4% through establishing groundwork for 'Great Place to Work'.

• Date of Birth: 06/24/73
• Gender: Male
• Nationality: French
• Marital Status: Married