Abhishek Kumar
Dubai
Summary
Results-oriented retail and brand management professional with 15+ years’ experience across buying, product development, merchandising, and strategic brand management. Proven record in driving growth, leading teams, developing new markets, and launching successful campaigns for leading global apparel brands. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, data-driven strategy, and building strong vendor relationships for optimal business outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager Buying & Merchandising
Levi’s
Dubai
12.2024 - Current
- Own and drive Levi’s brand strategy, ensuring consistency and market leadership across GCC channels.
- Lead annual marketing calendar including 360 activations, digital, PR, and in-store campaigns.
- Conduct market research and leverage consumer insights for innovative product launches.
- Manage cross-functional teams, nurturing high-performance culture and coaching.
- Oversee regional budgets, KPIs, and ensure ROI across brand initiatives.
- Forge partnerships with retail, franchise, and wholesale stakeholders.
Buying Manager
Beverly Hills Polo Club
Dubai
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Led buying teams for mens, ladies, and kids’ merchandise across 135 stores in GCC (OTB $24M).
- Developed core assortment strategies and launched new product lines; improved sell-through by 10%.
- Expanded vendor base, optimized payment terms and sourcing efficiency.
- Delivered 25% YoY e-commerce sales growth and expanded wholesale business.
Senior Buyer
JVCO
Dubai
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed sourcing and developed 10,000+ styles for kids and menswear.
- Achieved Best Employee Recognition (2021) for impactful strategies and vendor negotiations.
Buyer
Beverly Hills Polo Club
Dubai
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Managed seasonal budgets, margin planning, and sourcing strategies.
- Implemented promotional strategies to drive sales and profitability.
Buyer
LC Waikiki
Dubai
05.2014 - 07.2016
- Conducted merchandise planning, budgeting, pricing, and discount strategies.
- Performed regional trend analysis to guide assortment decisions.
Merchandiser – Kidswear
Max Retail LLC
Dubai
01.2011 - 04.2014
Merchandiser – Quality Assurance
Atraco Enterprises
Dubai
10.2009 - 01.2011
Assistant Merchandiser
Mallcom Company Ltd
Kolkata
01.2009 - 09.2009
Education
Bachelor of Fashion Technology - Apparel Production
National Institute of Fashion Technology
01.2009
Skills
- Leadership & Team Building
- Brand Strategy & Marketing
- Budgeting & Analytics
- Negotiation & Vendor Management
- Product Merchandising & Assortment Planning
- E-Commerce Growth & Digital Marketing
Certification
DATA SCIENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING: MAKING DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS - March 2024
MIT Schwarzman College of Computing
Timeline
Manager Buying & Merchandising
Levi’s
12.2024 - Current
Buying Manager
Beverly Hills Polo Club
01.2023 - 12.2024
Senior Buyer
JVCO
01.2021 - 12.2022
Buyer
Beverly Hills Polo Club
01.2016 - 01.2021
Buyer
LC Waikiki
05.2014 - 07.2016
Merchandiser – Kidswear
Max Retail LLC
01.2011 - 04.2014
Merchandiser – Quality Assurance
Atraco Enterprises
10.2009 - 01.2011
Assistant Merchandiser
Mallcom Company Ltd
01.2009 - 09.2009
Bachelor of Fashion Technology - Apparel Production
National Institute of Fashion Technology
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Best Employee of the Year – Apparel Group (2021)
- Multinational stakeholder management and cross-cultural experience