Arnt Nilsen

Norwegian-owned company and the largest consumer electronics company in the Nordics, with an increased focus on exports and in-house product development from concept to reality. A global assortment with regional variations based on consumer preferences. Strong environmental focus in a competitive industry, aiming to achieve the most sustainable and profitable results possible. • Leads a team of 24 people across Norway and China • Project manager for implementation of a new ERP system, Microsoft Business Central • Restructured the product portfolio and sharpened the Wilfa brand identity • Developed and implemented supplier and manufacturer agreements across 55 production sites • Multiple design awards from both IF Design Award and Red Dot for in-house developed products

Leading category team for Norway's leading jewellery and watch retailer, where I managed the process of developing and modernising the entire assortment, merchandising, and category development. In 2022, the company delivered its best results in 38 years. • Established store-level assortments based on size and location, independent of ownership structure • Developed planograms for new store interiors and centrally managed assortments • Implemented a new BI tool for business development and analytics • Led customer service (B2B/B2C), including the establishment of a new CRM system for web customers

Various leadership roles at one of Norway's largest sporting goods companies. Managed business units responsible for supplier negotiations, category development, and assortment structure for up to 350 stores and total revenue of up to NOK 4 billion. • Complete restructuring of the entire category and purchasing function during a demanding bankruptcy process • Responsible for procurement in the range of NOK 1 billion • Transformation of suppliers and assortment into a single unified chain profile with strengthened chain operations • Ongoing development and optimisation of the organisation • Negotiations and framework agreements with major international brands • Assortment management and loyalty models for franchisees with improved terms • Leadership of product development and design of some of Norway's most recognised brands Roles held during this period: - Commercial Director and Head of Category, 2020 - Category Group Director, Hardware, 2018–2019 - Category Group Director, Textiles and Footwear, 2016–2018 - Sales Director, Intersport, 2015

Responsibility for all non-book categories as well as the master data department. My role was to establish a clear strategy for all product categories to ensure increased profitability and a solid contribution alongside book sales. • Revitalised the central warehouse and goods flow for more efficient operations and improved value chain profitability • Grew the category business area's share of total revenue to above 40% • Centrally managed and unified assortment across both retail concepts for better purchasing control • Established routines and guidelines for local assortments covering local literature and products

Responsible for all hardware categories across both Norway and Sweden. • Superuser in the implementation of a new ERP system • Transformation and establishment of a Nordic purchasing team • Development of a new store concept

Progressed rapidly from managing company-owned stores to central commercial positions. Played a key role in the management team during the development of various improvement programmes and the modernisation of core functions. The department achieved significant progress both internally and in relation to a complex store estate. • Revitalisation of two proprietary bicycle brands, achieving market leader status and top rankings in product tests • Historically best financial results across all areas of responsibility Roles held during this period: - Commercial Manager, 2009–2010 - Category Group Manager, Hardware, 2007–2010 - Category Manager, Hardware, 2005–2007 - Store Manager, various locations, 2003–2005