Speakers
Please find below the list of the confirmed speakers as per date, in alphabetical order:
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Mr José María Blanco Alonso Mr Blanco, 71, joined El Palacio de Hierro in 1992. He has been instrumental in developing the company from four Palacio de Hierro (PH) stores in 1992 to ten PH stores, four Casa Palacio (home specialty stores), 17 PH restaurants, two bistros and two outlets as of today. Also, over the past 8 years, 65 free standing stores have been opened, which are owned and operated by El Palacio, that consist of the following brands: Aldo, Bebe, Burberry, Springfield and Women Secret. Prior to joining El Palacio de Hierro, Mr Blanco held executive positions at Soriana and Aurrera (now Wal-Mart). He is a graduate of Public Accountant Studies at UNAM (National University in Mexico City). |
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Mr Yougang Chen Mr Chen specializes in consumer goods and retail issues in the mainland market. His primary focus is in developing entry and growth strategies for MNCs, as well as advising on marketing and sales performance improvement. He started his career with Procter&Gamble China in 1992 in the marketing function, responsible for the development of P&G’s skin care and toilet soap brands in China. Mr Chen was part of the multi-function team that drove both brands to market leadership in China. Mr Chen received his MBA from INSEAD. He also holds a BA in economics from Beijing University. |
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Mr Paolo De Cesare Mr De Cesare, aged 50, started his professional career at Procter&Gamble where he held various management positions all over the world during his 24 years tenure: in 1994 he became Managing Director-Vice-President, Strategic Planning, Skin Care Europe, Middle East & Africa, based in London; in 1999 he was appointed President of Max Factor Japan and Vice President Procter & Gamble-Northeast Asia Skin Care & Cosmetics, based in Japan; in 2002 he was named President of Global Prestige Beauty and Skin Care, based in Switzerland. Since September 2007, Mr De Cesare has been the CEO and Chairman of Printemps. He graduated in Business and Economics cum laude at the University of Rome in 1983. Mr De Cesare is Vice President Europe of the Executive Board of Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS). |
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Mr Fook Seng Chew Mr Chew is the CEO and Executive Director of Parkson Retail Group Limited, a company listed in Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2005 which operates a national network of department stores in China under the name of “Parkson”. In 1994, Mr Chew and his team entered into China and established its first department store in Beijing, one of the first foreign pioneers in the China department store industry. To date, Parkson operates 46 department stores in 30 cities in China with a trading area of more than 1 million square meters and employs more than 8’000 employees. Mr Chew holds a MBA degree. |
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Mr Daniel Elguea Solís Mr Elguea has been assuming his position of CFO of El Palacio de Hierro (BAL) since 2008. Prior to joining BAL, he held various senior positions at Microsoft, as CFO of the Mexico branch from 2001 to 2003, CFO Strategic Planning and Business Development for Asia from 2003 until 2006 and as CFO OEM segment worldwide in the US. Mr Elguea started his professional career at Procter & Gamble where during 10 years he held various executive functions in Mexico and Brazil. Mr Elguea is holding a BA in Chemical Engineering from the ITESM-Campus in Monterrey. |
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Dr William K Fung Dr Fung, SBS, OBE, JP, aged 61, joined the Group in 1972 and has been Group Managing Director since 1986. Dr Fung is a non-Executive Director & Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd; an independent non-Executive Director of Shui On Land Limited, Singapore Airlines Limited, Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited and VTech Holdings Limited. He was Past Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Committee and a former member of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Dr Fung is also the co-author of the book “Competing in a Flat World”. In 2008, Dr Fung was awarded the SBS (“Silver Bauhinia Star”) by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, he also holds an MBA degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business, a degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa from the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology and an honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. |
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Mr José Galló Mr Galló, aged 59, has been a member of Lojas Renner’s Board of Directors since 1998. In 1991 he was elected Managing Director of Lojas Renner S.A., and in 1999 he was promoted to CEO of the company. Mr Galló has over 30 years of experience in retailing in companies such as J. Alves Veríssimo (Eldorado), Imcosul S.A. and Moda Casa. He is a member of the Board of Directors of SLC Agrícola S.A. and Localiza Rent a Car S.A. He has been a member of the Advisory Board of the Renner Institute since June 2008. Mr Galló is a member of the Planning Committee of the Federation of the Chambers of Store Directors of Rio Grande do Sul, of the Advisory Board of the Commercial and Services Associations of Rio Grande do Sul - Federasul and Vice President of the Chamber of Store Directors of Porto Alegre. He graduated in Business Administration in 1974 from the Business Management School of the Fundação Getúlio Vargas, São Paulo and has concluded courses, attachments and specialization courses in marketing in Brazil and overseas. |
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Mr Paolo Gasparrini Mr Gasparrini started his career as medical visitor for Schiapparelli Farmaceuttici. Then he joined Johnson Wax Italy as Assistant Product Manager, Product Manager, and Senior Product Manager. Later on, he worked as Marketing Director in Manetti Roberts (Group Beecham) in Florence. In 1987, he joined L’Oreal in Italy as General Manager of the Luxury Products Division. In 1990, he was nominated President and Managing Director of L’Oreal Brazil. In the end of 1996, he started the business of L’Oreal Group in China, acted as President and Managing Director of L’Oreal China until September 2010, reaching 1 billons EURO net sales in 2010, with 2 factories and 20’000 employees. Since September 2010, Mr Gasparrini is the President of L’Oreal China. Mr Gasparrini is “Honorary citizen of Suzhou” and has received “Magnolia Gold Award of Shanghai” in 2006. In 2009 & 2010, he was made “Chevalier de l'Ordre National du Mérite” and “Chevalier dans l’Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur” by the French Government. He holds a PHD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from PADOVA University. |
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Prof. Guoxiong Huang Prof. Huang is a famous economist, professor of Renmin University of China, doctoral supervisor, an expert in circulation study, and an authority figure in China’s commercial economy field. He is currently Vice Chairman of China Commercial Economy Society, Vice Chairman of China Commercial Real Estate Union, Vice Chairman of China Federation of Urban Commercial Outlets Construction Administration, a specially engaged expert of the Ministry of Commerce; he serves as advisor in multiple provincial and municipal governments, as well as independent director of public listed companies. In his 18 years of commercial work practice, and 30 years of education and research in commerce study, Prof. Huang continually monitored and studied the development of China’s circulation industry, and published a series of articles and views with unique insight; his works include “Modernization of Commerce”, “Modern Retail Study”, “Outline of Modern Commerce Study”; he has published more than 300 theses. He participated in the drafting and discussion of development plans, service industry plans, and commercial plans of over 100 cities across the nation. Prof. Huang has been awarded the following honorable titles: “Commercial Elite for Promoting Progress in China’s Commerce Sector”, “Top Ten Personality with Contribution to Franchise Operation between 1986-2006”, “Top Ten Media Personality in Retail Industry in 2006”, “Personality with Special Contribution to Commercial Real Estate in 2006”; in 2008 he was awarded the title of “Meritorious Personality in the Reform of Commerce Service Sector in 30 years Since Reform and Opening Up”, in 2009 he was awarded the title of “Personality with Outstanding Contribution to Influencing Development and Reform in China’s Circulation Industry”. |
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Ms Qiong Er Jiang As Artistic Director of Shang Xia, Ms Jiang is one of the few young Chinese contemporary designers of international reputation infusing the subtlety, beauty, and heritage of Chinese culture. At Shang Xia, she oversees a team of designers who create the range of collections that embody the essence of Shang Xia. Ms Jiang was a student of the painter Cheng Shi Fa and the calligrapher Han Tian Hong, two leading figures in traditional Chinese art. She then joined the prestigious Tong Ji University to study design. Her degree is in Art & Design. Upon graduation, she chose to go to the Decorative Arts School in Paris to further her studies in furniture and interior design. As an artist, Ms Jiang has exhibited in Switzerland, the United States, France, and numerous other museum exhibitions. Her work can also be found in museum collections. She has participated in international projects as well as having received multiple awards. As once a Creative Director of Hermes windows in China, the encounter began, and together with Hermes, Ms Jiang set up Shang Xia. Today she is completely devoted to developing Shang Xia and promoting Chinese fine craftsmanship to the world. |
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Ms Karen Katz Ms Katz oversees the strategic direction, operations, and expansion of The Neiman Marcus Group (NMG), a multi-channel retailer known primarily for its specialty retail stores, including 41 Neiman Marcus stores, Bergdorf-Goodman in New York, the Last Call Off-Price division and CUSP; as well as Neiman Marcus Direct. In her 25-year career with NMG, Ms Katz has held myriad management and leadership positions. She joined the company in 1985 as a Merchandise Manager of Neiman Marcus in Houston, Texas. In 1987, she became Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager for Handbags and Designer Accessories. Ms Katz returned to the stores in 1991 as the Vice President and General Manager of Neiman Marcus, NorthPark. In 1996, she became Senior Vice President, Director of Stores and in 1998 was elevated to Executive Vice President of Stores. In 2000, Ms Katz was appointed President and CEO of Neiman Marcus Direct. In December 2002 she served the Company as President and CEO of Neiman Marcus Stores, until her appointment to her present position effective October 2010. Ms Katz was educated at the University of Texas and received a MBA from the University of Houston. She has attended Executive Education Programs, with special emphasis in customer service, at Harvard University. Ms Katz currently serves of the board of UT Southwestern Board of Visitors, the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee, and the National Retail Federation (NRF). |
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Mr Guoding Li Mr Li is a senior economist. Since March 2010 he has been the General Manager of Shanghai Bailian Group Co., Ltd; prior to this function he was General Manager of Shanghai Hua Lian Commercial Building, Executive Vice General Manager of Shanghai Hua Lian Co., Ltd, General Manager of No. 1 Yaohan Department Store, and Vice General Manager of Department Store Business Division in Bailian Group. Mr Li boasts over 30 years of practical operation and management experience in the retail industry, with acute insight and judgement on China’s department store sector and retailing market. He pioneered the development of chain department store in China, and first introduced open style “Outlets” business mode in domestic market and successfully accomplished its chain operation. Since he assumed the position of General Manager of Shanghai Bailian Group Co., Ltd, he dedicated himself to fulfilling the strategic target of Bailian Group to build up top class sales & commerce and distribution group. Mr Li actively advocated chain development of “Outlets” and department store business modes in big department store sector and promoted model innovation in shopping center business mode. |
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Mr Vittorio Radice Mr Radice joined AMC, International Buying Office for Department Stores in 1980 as Merchandiser. From 1990 to 1996 he restored fortunes of Habitat UK and sold the company to IKEA. From 1996 to 2003 he transformed Selfridges into an innovative Department Store. He then developed and opened very large and successful stores in Manchester and Birmingham. Mr Radice demerged Selfridges from Sears and subsequently organized the sale to the Weston Family. In 2003 he joined Marks and Spencer to develop their new Home Furnishing Concept. Since 2005 Mr Radice has been the CEO of La Rinascente Department Store chain in Italy. |
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Dr Bruno Sälzer Dr Sälzer started his career in 1986 at Beiersdorf and Hans Schwarzkopf, before joining Hugo Boss in 1995. During the following 13 years he held various positions at Hugo Boss from Member of the Managing Board to Executive Vice Chairman in 1998 and Chairman & CEO in 2002 until 2008. In 2008 he joined ESCADA as CEO and Vice-Chairman of the Administrative Board. Dr Sälzer is currently a board member of Amer Sports Corp. in Helsinki and Deichmann in Essen. Dr Sälzer is holding a Doctorate in Logistics from Mannhein University in Germany and a degree in Business Administration. |
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Mr Simon Susman Mr Susman is currently non-executive Deputy Chairman of Woolworths South Africa and non-executive Chairman of Country Road, Australia. He has recently retired after 10 years as Chief Executive of the Group. Woolworths in South Africa and its subsidiary in Australia, Country Road, are the leading upmarket retailers and both are by-words for quality and value in their markets. Within Woolworths, Mr Susman instigated and has driven a comprehensive programme entitled the “Good business journey”. Through this programme Woolworths continually strives to do business in a way that is deeply sustainable both socially and environmentally. Woolworths has received numerous awards for this and other programmes of excellence. Mr Susman holds numerous trusteeships outside of the business and currently sits on the Advisory Boards of Stellenbosch University’s Business School and TSiBA Education College in Cape Town. He is Patron of the Gryphon Education Trust and is Chairman of the South African arm of Conservation International, a major US-based conservation group. He is a member of Executive Board of Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS). |
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Mr Zhi Yong Zhang Mr Zhang, aged 41, joined the Group in October 1992 as a Finance Manager of Beijing Li Ning Footwear Co., Ltd., became the Financial Controller of Beijing Li Ning Sports Goods Co., Ltd. in April 1999 and was the General Manager of the company from February 2001 to June 2004. Since the listing of the Company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in June 2004, Mr Zhang has been the Company's CEO and Executive Director, responsible for the overall strategy of the Group, and promoting the development of human resources, information resources and financial resources in line with the Group's brand development. Since 1992, when he began his career in the sports goods industry in China, Mr Zhang has accumulated 18 years of China experience in the industry with thorough understanding of the change of the consumer market in China, the building of brand images and change management for Chinese firms. Mr Zhang holds a Bachelor's Degree from Beijing College of Economics an executive M.B.A. degree from Guanghua School of Management of Peking University. |
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Mr Wanhe Zheng Mr Zheng, aged 59, joined Beijing Department Store in 1984. He has held the positions of Vice General Manager of Beijing Department Store, General Manager and Chairman of Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd. Currently Mr Zheng is Chairman and Party Secretary of Beijing Wangfujing Department Store (Group) Co., Ltd, and also Chairman of Beijing Wangfujing Dongan Group Co., Ltd, Vice Chairman of China Chain Store & Franchise Association, Vice Chairman of China Commerce Association For General Merchandise, and Standing Director of China General Chamber of Commerce. Over the last 20 plus years, Mr Zheng has been exploring the road of reform and development for traditional Chinese state-owned enterprises and made outstanding contributions to successfully transforming Wangfujing Department Store from a traditional regional state-owned enterprise into a nationwide, large-scale, chain-operated enterprise, which has become one of the biggest retail conglomerates in China. Today, in the face of excellent development opportunities for China’s retail industry, Mr Zheng and his team are marching steadily toward the goal of building the company into “China’s No. 1 Department Store”. |
