Top 50 People in E-Commerce 2017

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insideretail.com.au Contents

4 Editor’s note

Foreword Internet Retailing’s Top 50 People 6 in E-Commerce is published by Octomedia Pty Ltd Our judges 8 HEAD OFFICE Level 3, 51-57 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 10 State of the industry 2000 PO Box R217, Royal Exchange NSW 1225 Top 50 profiles Tel: +61 2 9901 1800 12 Fax: +61 2 9901 1833 2017 Rising stars EDITOR 32 Heather McIlvaine [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGN Rozelle Carlos Standout performers [email protected]

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Chris Samios [email protected]

DIRECTOR OF COMMERCIAL AND INNOVATION Jane Gary Jodie Amir Engler 1415 Cay 1618Elphick 19Fox [email protected] CEO Oliver Ranck [email protected]

www.internetretailing.com.au Faye Luke Kate @internetretail 22Ilhan 24 Jecks 28 Morris www.facebook.com/Internetretailing.au https://www.linkedin.com/company-be- ta/367672/

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 3 EDITOR’S NOTE

letter from the editor Heather McIlvaine EDITOR, INTERNET RETAILING

oo often we attribute the no stone went unturned in the of the industry’s maturity that so growth of online retail to search for people doing great many people have made repeat T external factors, such as work. In order to stand out, appearances on our list. the ubiquity of mobile devices, candidates had to demonstrate or the burgeoning convenience one or more of the following We have listed people alphabet- culture, without considering the characteristics: best practice, ically by surname, rather than role individuals play in driving knowledge sharing, influencer use a numbered ranking system, the industry forward. profile, innovation, leadership as we have done in previous and broader impact. years. A handful of positions are That’s why our annual report on shared as joint entries, where the the Top 50 People in E-Com- These metrics show our un- judges determined significant merce is such a pleasure to derstanding of what makes contribution within the same produce. It provides an op- someone a Top 50 talent. In our organisation. portunity to shine a light on view, it isn’t simply their ability the executives, managers and to boost an organisation’s online On behalf of all the judges, I take entrepreneurs working behind- sales. While that may be part pleasure in congratulating this the-scenes in the digital space. of it, more importantly it is their year’s Top 50 People in E-Com- commitment to driving forward merce and the Rising Stars. It would be easy to keep adding the industry as a whole. talented people to an ever-growing list, but our task as judges is Several people were deemed by to winnow. We began by setting the judges this year to be stand- some criteria: individuals had to out performers. Their stories and be an e-commerce professional insights are featured in detailed at an Australian e-commerce profiles throughout this publica- business or marketplace. Ven- tion. dors and service providers were HeatherEDITOR, INTERNET RETAILING excluded. The report also introduces icons to show who has been named to As well as the judges, Internet the Top 50 for the first time, and Retailing’s own readers sub- who has made the jump from a mitted nominations, ensuring Rising Star. It is perhaps a sign

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foreword

s the Australian e-commerce market reach- es greater levels of maturity, online retailers A are continually searching for their competitive edge with new ways to grow. Digital technology continues to transform the way we live, learn and work - most of us now literally have a world of information, products and services at our finger- tips.

This increased connectivity and, with it, our elevat- ed expectations around convenience, value and choice has driven more consumers to shop online. Today, we have a thriving e-commerce industry that is triggering opportunity and innovation for Australian businesses of all sizes.

But we wouldn’t have such a successful community if it wasn’t for the leaders in our industry. The 2017 Top 50 People in E-Commerce report acknowledges these leaders - people who are pioneering new technology, managing new and unforeseen expectations, and the relentless de- mands from a hungry and tireless consumer market.

The creativity, innovation and acumen of these business people has set the standard for all aspi- rational e-commerce providers, to succeed in our competitive, rapidly evolving digital world, and they are to be celebrated for their efforts.

Ben Franzi GM, ECOMMERCE AND INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA POST

6 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au

JUDGE’SOUR JUDGES BIO JUDGES’ PROFILES

Heather McIlvaine Editor, Internet Retailing

Heather McIlvaine is the editor of Internet Retailing and a contributing journalist to Inside Retail Weekly. Before this, she was a freelance journalist covering such topics as business, technology, culture and politics for international publications. She started in technology and business reporting as the English editor of a B2B publication in Munich. From the US, she enjoys observing Australian retail practices and norms from the perspective of an outsider.

Heath Barlow Market lead, Australasia Emarsys

Heath Barlow is responsible for driving revenue growth and new sales for B2C software company Emarsys. He has had more than 11 years’ experience in business development, working with global brands across the retail, e-commerce, travel, publishing, automotive, finance and telecommunication sectors. He has experience in customer lifecycle marketing, customer intelligence, multichannel marketing, marketing automation, and e-commerce marketing strategies. He has worked for Emarsys in the UK and the Middle East.

Larry Diamond Co-founder, ZipMoney Larry Diamond co-founded ZipMoney in 2013 following 12 years in retail, IT, corporate finance and investment banking at Pacific Brands, Macquarie Capital and Deutsche Bank. The product suite offered by ZipMoney, including its latest product ZipPay, represents Australia’s next-generation payments software for both in-store and online.

Corinne Franks GM, NORA

Corinne Franks is responsible for the day-to-day management of the National Online Retailers Association, bringing together member services, partnership opportunities and events. She is an experienced association leader, having been GM of AIMIA (the Digital Industry Association of Australia) as well as GM of conferences and events for Hannover Fairs Australia.

Ben Franzi GM, eCommerce and International, Australia Post & StarTrack

Ben Franzi is an expert in the e-commerce market with a detailed understanding of global industry trends and growth areas. At Australia Post, he leads a team of eCommerce and International specialists to help businesses grow and compete online both domestically and internationally by tapping into digital marketplaces, building integrated platforms and using analytical insights to their advantage.

8 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au OUR JUDGES

Mark Freidin Founder, Internet Retailing

Mark Freidin is a professional consultant in digital transformation, e-commerce, ERP and business systems integration. He has a background in retail and online strategy, financial and accounting, IT, and supply-chain logistics. Before becoming a consultant he was COO at the Catch of the Day group of companies. Freidin is also the founder of Australia’s first online retail news and media source, Internet Retailing.

Nathan Huppatz Co-founder, Costumes.com.au, ReadyToShip

Nathan Huppatz helps runs Costumes.com.au and ReadyToShip.com.au, and is a business adviser for Retail Global, Chunky Media and Reboot Retail. A non-executive director of NORA, he wrote the Australian version of Making Money on eBay for Dum- mies. In 2015 and 2016, Huppatz was listed in Internet Retailing’s Top 50 People in E-Commerce, and last year won the Individual Excellence Award at the Retail Global Internet Conference.

Graham Jackson CEO, Fluent Retail

Graham Jackson has had more than 23 years’ experience in sales, retail and technology. He is CEO of Fluent Retail, which offers omnichannel options for retailers, including automation and in-store tooling. He was previously senior VP of e-commerce software firm SAP Hypbris in China. Before that he was the MD for shopping network Bazaar- voice, and launched two IT businesses in Australia as well as helping set up two others.

Jo Krause Digital specialist, Six Degrees Executive

Jo Krause is a digital specialist for Six Degrees Executive, a recruiting company where she is responsible for digital recruitment in the retail, education, FMCG, services and consumer sectors. She has recruited for such roles as head of digital customer experience, senior digital marketing manager, and online marketing and e-commerce managers. Previously she worked for automotive and services organisations.

Ryan Murtagh Founder/CEO, Neto E-Commerce Solutions

Ryan Murtagh is the founder and CEO of Neto E-Commerce Solutions, an Australian digital commerce platform. He is an online retail specialist with more than 15 years’ experience developing and running online retail websites and businesses. He launched his first online store in 2001, and has developed knowledge in the areas of e-commerce software, accounting and ERP software, logistics and online marketing.

Andy Powell Director, Agile Commerce Consulting

A thought leader in omnichannel and online retail, Andy Powell runs his own consulting firm, Agile Commerce Consulting, drawing on 29 years’ experience in retail. He formerly led digital and strategy consulting practices as a director at Deloitte. Agile Commerce Consulting helps retail businesses with omnichannel customer-engagement advice, builds logistics and delivery capability, and helps with new systems for clients like Adairs, IGA, Myer, Pandora, Repco, Target, T2 and Woolworths.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 9 STATE OF THE INDUSTRY Back to business sense

As Australia’s online industry matures, the role of the e-commerce professional is also changing. There are certain skills that are really needed now.

ustralians spent more than $21.65 for CX and design thinking skills at the billion online last year - equivalent moment.” A to 7.1 per cent of bricks-and-mortar spending, according to NAB. And because understanding customers goes hand-in-hand with collecting and The e-commerce sector is growing bigger analysing their data, analytic skills have every year, and as a result more and more also gained currency. Krause says e-com- companies are seeking people with online merce professionals should be conver- retail experience. sant with the latest analytics tools as this space continues to evolve. “There’s high demand and low supply of good e-commerce professionals right For instance, she notes, many retailers now,” says digital specialist Jo Krause of are bringing in house roles that were recruiting company Six Degrees Exec- traditionally outsourced. Over the past utive. The competition for talent means 18 months in particular, data analytics retailers must prove their commitment to and conversion-rate optimisation have digital transformation in order to attract become internal tasks for many of the the best candidates. companies with which she works.

“Businesses need to have a really strong But the most important skill for e-com- proposition for people to want to work merce professionals today? Good, there - how serious they are about invest- old-fashioned business sense. ing in digital from the top down, and what they are willing to spend on technologies “As e-commerce contributes to a big- like cloud and analytics,” she says. ger portion of revenue, companies are wanting to get an e-commerce person NEW SKILLS who is very strong commercially and has With the e-commerce sector maturing, had that financial responsibility before,” online retail professionals are now ex- Krause says. This suggests the line be- pected to make supply-chain, logistics, tween offline and online retail is blurring platform and marketing decisions with the not just operationally, but also organisa- customer experience foremost in mind. tionally. For many people in the industry, this means acquiring new skills and knowl- LESS SILOED edge. National Online Retailers Association GM Corinne Franks confirms that the role of “Everyone needs to be thinking about the the e-commerce professional in many whole customer experience and putting large retail organisations has become less themselves in the shoes of the customer,” siloed. says Krause. “There’s massive demand

10 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au STATE OF THE INDUSTRY Back to

“All retail staff are required to under- fering out there and say, ‘Let’s see how business sense stand aspects of e-commerce in order it goes’, without really doing much.” for the business to work together ef- fectively in bringing excellent customer This was the case at the global sporting experiences,” she says. “Some retailers goods retailer Nike, where Green helped take this a step further, with the focus launch its European e-commerce busi- moving away from it being e-commerce ness in 2005. “It took two years to ed- to just being the front end of the busi- ucate the wider company and get them ness, with all the interactions built off to realise e-commerce was the most the same platform or vision.” profitable channel. Initially, they saw it as just one among many stores.” Myer’s creation of a chief digital and data officer role in 2015 is just one Persuading retailers even just five years example of this shift. Documenting the ago to launch products online first was rise of chief digital officers (CDOs), PwC still an uphill battle, says Green. “It notes that consumer-oriented industries always felt like a catch-22: you had to like retail are among the most likely to prove you could get the results to get have such a role in the c-suite. more resources.”

Myer’s CDO Mark Cripsey says this is a Traditional retailers today are more direct result of the business opportuni- inclined to see e-commerce as the “best ties created by technology over the past store on the busiest street” from the decade. “Digital teams have become get-go. In fact, Green says she is now more integral business partners as the in the position of having to determine dynamic continues to evolve, and the which L’Oréal products are not suited to head of digital has become a key strate- being sold online. gic leader.” But despite a growing awareness of dig- In this capacity, Cripsey also plays a role ital opportunities in retail, and demand in driving Myer’s overall retail strategy. “I for talented e-commerce professionals spend a significant amount of my time to take strategic roles, Green doesn’t building initiatives that will drive sales see a hiring frenzy happening any time for Myer, no matter how the customer soon. chooses to shop with us.” “The one thing that hasn’t really FIGHT FOR RESOURCES changed yet is the attitude that being Yet not long ago many e-commerce online doesn’t take much, that fewer professionals had to fight for resourc- people are needed,” she says. “When es within the company, as Amanda I left Nike [last year], we were running Green, now the head of e-commerce a $15 million business with a very lean for L’Oréal’s luxury division, can attest. team. We were very lucky to have a “When I first started out, the companies supportive company structure, but it did I worked for were at the stage where mean we had to be very efficient with they would just put an e-commerce of- our time.”

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 11 2017/A-Z

12 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

JONATHON ALLARA, JAMES VAN ROOYEN Co-founders/directors Bicycles Online Stunned at the cost of replacing a fleet of bikes for their Sydney hire/tour company, Jonathon Allara and James van Rooyen set up Bicycles Online in 2011. Now Allara, previously a market analyst at KPMG, and van Rooyen, previously a manager at environmental services company Opec Systems, plan to take the business international.

REBECCA BOXALL Head, e-commerce Kikki K Stationery store Kikki K, which has more than 130 outlets throughout Aus- tralia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UK, also has an online store that ships to more than 140 countries. Rebecca Boxall has been responsible for leading the e-commerce aspects of the business since 2015. Before then she was digital marketing manager at Coles and Target.

STEVE BRENNEN Head of marketing, ANZ Uber Before heading up marketing for Uber in Australasia, Steve Brennen was chief marketing officer for eBay Australia. He helped change consumer per- ceptions as the site transitioned from a peer-to-peer marketplace to a new products destination, and helped launch Myer’s virtual-reality department store on eBay last May, a world first. He is chairman of the Association for Data-driven Marketing and Advertising.

NATHAN BUSH Group digital manager Super Retail Group With more than 10 years’ experience in the digital space, Nathan Bush brings a strong agency background to his role at Super Retail Group (SRG). As group digital manager, he drives the digital strategy for Amart Sports, BCF, Ray’s Outdoors, Rebel and Supercheap Auto. He is also involved in leading digital transformation across SRG, including strategic, operational and cultural change.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 13 TOP 50 PROFILES

DAVID BUTCHER, ALLEN ZELDEN Co-founders Archfashion David Butcher and Allen Zelden co-founded Archfashion in 2009 to help widen the reach of small retailers. The online marketplace now supports hundreds of independent retailers with alternative payment methods, social-media plug-ins and special editorial content. Before moving into retail, Butcher was a business analyst for a News Corporation subsidiary while Zelden has a background in real estate.

BRADLEY CARR, JAMES PATTEN Co-founder/CEO, co-founder/MD RY When they launched RY.com.au together in 2007, Bradley Carr and James Patten became one of the first online retailers for major haircare brands. RY (Recreate Yourself) now stocks more than 200 brands and almost 12,000 skin, hair and beauty products. In April last year the company opened its flagship bricks-and-mortar store on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

JANE CAY Founder/director Birdsnest From a bricks-and-mortar store in Cooma, New South Wales, in 2004, Jane Cay has built Birdsnest into an e-commerce fashion powerhouse with more than 140 employees, turning over $20 million annually. Online sales account for around 94 per cent of revenue. Cay is a Jobs for NSW board member and was previously a National Online Retailers Associa- tion founding board member.

CARLY CAZZOLLI Head, Australia/New Zealand Asos Carly Cazzolli was appointed head of Australia & New Zealand for Asos in July after serving as the online fashion retailer’s Australia manager. With more than 10 years’ experience as a digital leader in Australia and the UK before joining Asos, Cazzolli established the e-commerce department at retailer RM Williams. She is a board member of the National Online Retailers Association.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

14 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au STANDOUT | BEST PRACTICE Following the feedback

Jane Cay, a standout performer in the Best Practice category, says e-commerce success is found primarily by looking inward, not to other businesses.

ven though online clothing store er feedback from the previous seven Birdsnest founder and CEO Jane days’ orders to her team members for ECay says she rarely uses the review. They discuss ways to improve, phrase best practice, she admits to and some of their ideas make it on to always being “something of a perfec- the website. tionist”. For instance, Cay says Birdsnest now “I was the kind of child who stayed photographs every single garment up all night to make my geography on two to three models with different assignment as good as possible…I body types, after customers requested was never the smartest in the class, greater diversity. As she points out, but I always questioned how I could most retailers – including successful do things differently, how I could do it ones – don’t feature a variety of model better,” Cay says. sizes in their marketing material. Break- ing ranks can be nerve-racking, but She took her guidance then from listening to your own customers is key. Charles Darwin, who said it is not the smartest or strongest who survives, but “Best practice is not an external pro- the most adaptable to change - and cess - it’s about what is sustainable it’s that insatiable drive to improve that and acceptable to your customers, Cay credits with her success today. what they see value in,” says Cay, who has set up a framework to measure the “At Birdsnest, we’re always asking success of the model diversity initiative what more we could be doing and and other projects, running customer how,” she says. surveys a few months after they launch and setting up dedicated teams to go This in a nutshell is the process of through responses. creating best practices, which simply means a way of doing something that “That’s come after so many times is so superior it becomes standard. But when we would just put things out Cay says she is not out to set industry into the ether and then move on,” she standards, or follow them either. says. “It’s painful because we had it 70 per cent right, but the success is “We run our own race. Of course, we diminished because we didn’t follow do look across the industry to make through.” sure our service levels are the best or close to best, but we’re far more inter- Indeed, best practice is impossible ested in the experience our customers without the virtuous cycle of planning, have with us and how satisfied they implementation, review and revision. are.” It’s the kind of thing Darwin might say if ran an e-commerce company. CUSTOMER FEEDBACK Every week, Cay distributes custom-

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 15 TOP 50 PROFILES

MARK COULTER Co-founder/CEO Temple & Webster Since resuming control of online furniture company Temple & Webster a year ago, co-founder Mark Coulter has made changes. Subsidiary Milan Direct’s Melbourne office has been closed and its collection integrated on Temple & Webster’s platform. A mobile app will be launched this year. Coulter is a co-founder of both the National Online Retailers Association and logistics company ParcelPoint/Fluent Retail.

MARK CRIPSEY Chief digital and data officer Myer As Myer chief digital and data officer, Mark Cripsey runs the department store chain’s e-commerce, IT, supply chain, data analytics, and omnichannel strategy. Since he stepped into the newly created role in November 2015, Myer’s omnichannel sales have grown 74 per cent. Cripsey was previously GM for Coles online following senior roles at Tesco in the US, UK and India.

JUSTIN DRY, ANDRE EIKMEIER Co-founders/joint CEOs Vinomofo Brothers-in-law Justin Dry and Andre Eikmeier launched Vinomofo in an Adelaide garage in 2011. Now the online wine empire has a projected annual turnover exceeding $50 million, and the partners have secured $25 million in financing to help fuel international expansion. Already in New Zealand and Singapore, Vinomofo plans to enter the US, UK, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Indonesia.

JAMES EDWARDS Co-founder/COO Pet Circle A co-founder of online store Pet Circle, James Edwards is looking beyond the domestic market. This has led him to focus on customer experience, with order delivery, pricing, customer service and website quality all being driven to meet best-in-class standards. Before co-founding Pet Circle with Mike Frizell, Edwards was a mathematician and software engineer working for startups, corporations and academia.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

16 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

GARY ELPHICK Founder/CEO Disrupt Sports Gary Elphick founded Disrupt Sports so people can design their own sports equipment (the online retailer manufactures to demand). He went on TV entrepreneur show Shark Tank last year seeking $200,000 for an equity in the business. Though not successful, he has since expanded and now sells in the US and UK. As UNSW catalyst-in-residence, Elphick helps students develop startups.

IRENE FALCONE Founder/CEO Nourished Life Irene Falcone’s Nourished Life is an online store offering eco-friendly and natural personal care, beauty and lifestyle products. From a $100 investment in October 2012, she has grow the venture to a $20 million-plus business despite being new to e-commerce. Falcone was previously in advertising for 18 years, including a decade in senior marketing roles for major brands.

JODIE FOX Co-founder/chief creative officer Shoes of Prey Jodie Fox, along with Michael Fox and Michael Knapp, launched Shoes of Prey in a Sydney lounge room in 2009 to let women design their own footwear. It now has five offices globally and 200 employees. It closed its six Nordstrom concessions in the US and its David Jones design studio in Australia last year to move to pure-play e-commerce.

LUCY GLADE-WRIGHT, JO HARRIS Co-founders Hunting for George Sisters Lucy Glade-Wright and Jo Harris launched online homewares retailer Hunting for George in 2010 in a quest to liven up Australian homes. Though new to e-commerce - Glade-Wright was a graphic designer and Harris a nurse at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne - the sisters quickly made a following with their strong community engagement and customer service offering.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 17 STANDOUT | INNOVATION

Disrupting routine

Innovation is more than a buzzword, it’s a pillar of business and way of life for Gary Elphick, one of two standout performers in the Innovation category.

ary Elphick founded his Elphick seems incapable of the other.” on-demand manufacturing switching off his passions, so it G startup Disrupt Sports in is no surprise that the principles That makes sense when you 2014 on three principles - innova- on which his business is founded consider Elphick’s definition of tion, creativity and quality. emerged from his own attitudes innovation not as something new, about life. “I didn’t set out to but rather the novel combination With the aim of making the world create an innovative company,” of many pre-existing ideas. “less boring”, Disrupt Sports he says. “Those were simply the lets customers print their own values I had to begin with.” “Innovation is something that designs on surfboards, skate- evolves from one thing to the boards, snowboards, yoga mats Elphick says he has always hated next. Most of the innovations in and other sporting items. These falling into a routine, and actively the world aren’t completely orig- are manufactured on demand and tries to avoid doing so. He does inal. People have taken two or shipped straight to the consumer. not walk the same way to work three ideas and put them togeth- and he does not visit the same er. But they still didn’t know what Elphick is naturally enthusiastic restaurants over and over again. the outcome would be,” he says. about the future of the on-demand business model. “If you always do the same Looking at online retail today, he things, you’ll get the same out- thinks the industry lacks the nec- “On-demand is 100 per cent the come,” he says. “I think of it like essary creativity - and perhaps future of manufacturing. I would an empty bottle inside me that chaos - for innovation to occur. put all my eggs in that basket. It needs to be topped up with new reduces our carbon footprint, it experiences.” “E-commerce has become fairly reduces waste. How inefficient formulaic,” says Elphick. “You is it to make something in one PRE-EXISTING IDEAS download Shopify, you plug in place, then ship it all over the Pursuing random thoughts and your products. It’s very standard. world, and have to wait for it to whims fosters creativity, he be- People should be asking what it’s arrive?” lieves. In turn, this drives innova- all here for. I think e-commerce is tion: “You can’t have one without set for a massive shake-up.”

18 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au STANDOUT | INFLUENCER PROFILE

A new stage of business Flying around the world to deliver speeches was never her ambition, but there are perks to being on the keynote circuit, says Jodie Fox, a standout performer in the Influencer Profile category.

hoes of Prey co-founder and even walked the red carpet at the sits down to have lunch together. chief creative officer Jodie Fox Screen Actors Guild Awards … but 12:20pm: I subscribe to some S has become something of a not because of fame - a friend sim- newsletters like Business of Fashion, celebrity in the retail world ply had an extra ticket. Futurism, Need 2 Know, PitchBook, Skimm and TechCrunch. I read She gave a keynote speech at this However, her life does have a certain the headlines after lunch and save year’s NRF Big Show in New York Californian flavour. A typical day in longer articles for later. City, she spoke at Dell Women’s her life... 1:00pm: I group all my meetings Entrepreneur Network in Berlin and in the afternoon on Tuesdays and had a private meeting with Master- 5:30am: I’m up early. I have a glass Thursdays. Right now, they’re card’s global CEO in Milan. Most of warm water with a squeeze of around understanding our customer, recently, she delivered the keynote at lemon before I do anything else. looking at our strategy and forecast- a CSIRO conference in Melbourne. 6-7am: I ride my bike to CrossFit. I ing for the year, seeing if we got the once thought it was like a cult, but merchandising right. I have phone These events are both the making it’s really good. From there, I ride to calls with the team all over the world of an influential profile, as well as work. Our office is only two blocks and with the media. the reason Fox has continued to from the beach in Santa Monica. 6:00pm: Sometimes I leave early cultivate one. “It’s about having the On Wednesdays there’s a farmer’s and finish my phone calls at home. I chance to interact with people who market right outside. live about a 10 to 12-minute bikeride are helping me think bigger and 7:30am: I’m the first one in the from the office. connect me in with other fields,” she office. I always start the day with the 6:10pm: If I don’t have an event to says. most important thing I have to get attend, I always cook dinner. For done, and just try to smash it. I have me, preparing food is what helps As a former drama student, Fox is about two hours of quiet, so I can me switch off from the day. I keep at ease on stage and has a natural get in the zone. checking my email throughout the affinity for public speaking. But she 9:30am: I take a break when every- evening, though, because our team never imagined she would have the one starts to arrive. I always have is all in different time zones. level of exposure she has today. emails to catch up on, but I try not 7:00pm: I usually watch something “It was quite an organic process. It let that drive me because then I on TV while I eat dinner. I’m trying to was only later I realised it would be become very reactive. Then it’s back break the habit, but it’s hard. I have important to the business.” to my to-do list. an Amazon Prime membership and a Midday: I really love lunchtime at backlog of so many movies. Since moving the Shoes of Prey Shoes of Prey. We use a service 9:30pm: I stop using screens about headquarters to Santa Monica in called Eat Club, which lets everyone an hour before going to sleep, unless California in 2015, Fox has become order their own food a la carte. When I’m talking to my friends or family an even bigger name in the US. She it’s delivered, the whole office usually back in Australia.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 19 TOP 50 PROFILES

AMANDA GREEN Head, e-commerce, CRM L’Oreal Amanda Green’s e-commerce role with L’Oreal’s luxury division in Australia has helped bring the cosmetic giant’s global focus on digital transformation to the local level. Since joining the company last year she has launched two websites, with two more coming this year. Before joining L’Oreal, Green helped build Nike’s online store in Europe and led Nike Australia’s e-commerce business.

BEN HARE, NICK MCLENNAN, MIKE WILSON Director/COO, director/operational development, founder/ideas man TinyMe

TinyMe (formerly moo.com.au), which specialises in personalised products for children, was started by Mike Wilson in his spare bedroom in 2006. He now focusses on strategy, design and marketing. Former Goldman Sachs director Ben Hare oversees finance, HR, compliance, risk, IT, customer service and logistics, while Nick McLennan, with his industrial design background, is responsible for product development.

LANA HOPKINS Founder/CEO Mon Purse

Lana Hopkins’ Mon Purse is a handbag and leather goods online startup based on a proprietary 3D bag-building tool that lets customers choose style, leather, colour, texture and linings. In 2015, Mon Purse added offline outlets in Myer stores and a flagship store in Sydney. It opened concessions in Selfridges in the UK and Bloomingdale’s in the US last year.

MARTIN HOSKING Co-founder/CEO Redbubble Martin Hosking, who helped search company LookSmart list on the NASDAQ during the ’90s, was appointed CEO of Redbubble in 2010. The online marketplace he co-founded prints artist designs to order on various items. Redbubble listed with the ASX last May, valued at $267 million, and in August launched French, German and Spanish versions of its website.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

20 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

FAYE ILHAN GM, digital innovation Woolworths New to the role of GM of digital innovation at Woolworths Food Group, Faye Ilhan previously held digital positions with Dan Murphy’s and Endeav- our Drinks Group. She has contributed to Woolworths’ drinks business over the past six years and was instrumental in launching, running and optimising the Dan Murphy’s website to achieve year-on-year growth. Her customer-first mindset helped make Dan Murphy’s the most-visited and -awarded drinks website in Australia.

CARL JACKSON CEO MySale

Listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2014, Carl Jackson’s MySale Group secured backing from Topshop owner Philip Green. It is now part- nering with US retailer Gilt.com to expand its product range. In 2015, My- Sale acquired the DealDirect, Oo.com.au and Topbuy sites for $5.2 million. MySale has flash-sale sites in Australasia, Southeast Asia and the UK.

ADAM JACOBS, PATRICK SCHMIDT Co-founder/MD, CEO The Iconic

Pure-play online fashion retailer The Iconic co-founder and MD Adam Jacobs was previously a consultant for The Boston Consulting Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers. CEO Patrick Schmidt has had more than 15 years’ experience in the online, retail and marketing sectors. He was previously international VP of Groupon Latin America, heading nine countries and 2000 employees. He also founded Groupon Australia.

KELLY JAMIESON Founder/MD Edible Blooms Kelly Jamieson started Edible Blooms with her sister Abbey Baker in 2005, hitting $1 million in sales in its first full financial year. The company now has more than 50 employees with stores in all major Australian cities plus Auckland. Jamieson credits much of Edible Blooms’ success to her early adoption of cloud-based technologies. The concept relies on speedy deliveries.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 21 TOP STANDOUT 50 PROFILES | KNOWLEDGE SHARING

The personal connection

Faye Ilhan, a standout performer in the Knowledge sharing categories, reveals what it means to be a lifelong learner.

wenty years into her e-com- in large organisations that have all but that’s OK. merce career, standout per- had mentoring programs in one form T former Faye Ilhan says she or another, but I believe that’s just a What defines a successful thought is still learning - a virtue the GM of guideline. True mentorship happens leader? digital innovation for Woolworths’ when you actively seek it out. You For me, a thought leader is someone food business wants to pass on to can’t have a mentor handed to you, who is credible in their knowledge of the next generation of retail leaders. it just doesn’t work that way. For me, their respective area. They are also mentoring is about personal connec- reliable in consistently delivering Ilhan talks to Internet Retailing about tion, and you need to find that both ideas that add value - either to their the role of mentorship, and makes within the organisation and outside organisation, the customer or their the case for sharing knowledge in a of it. If you think back to the most team. They don’t talk in jargon, and competitive industry... amazing learning experiences you’ve they’re not necessarily only looking had, they were probably in the wider to the future - a thought leader also How has mentorship been of bene- community outside the workplace. looks at the past. fit to your career? I have benefitted from mentoring both In a competitive industry like retail, How have you become a thought on a professional and personal level. what is the case for sharing knowl- leader? What it ultimately does is open your edge with peers? It’s tough, because as soon as you mind to view things from different Our role as retailers is to be relevant think you’ve been in a space long perspectives. It places you in a cycle to our customers. Reaching out to enough to be seen as a subject of continuous learning and curiosity, retailers outside your vertical for in- matter expert, something comes not just about your own ideas but spiration, or working with companies around the corner and you have to all those around you. I think it plays from an adjacency point of view can start again. I am a big fan of attending a key role in creating future leaders. add real value to your customer prop- shop talks, webinars, seminars and I currently mentor three team mem- osition. I’m all for asking, how do we conferences. Sometimes you get just bers across the group, and have my make retail better? How do we make one gold nugget, but it really expands own mentor. As a mentor, you end up it simple? How do we create those your thinking. I also read for 10 to 15 learning a lot yourself. “wow” moments? Be open to sharing minutes every day, whether it be L2 your thoughts and ideas with the rest from the US or Econsultancy from the What is the key to finding a good of the retail market. Everyone can see UK. I think a combination of reading mentor, or being one? what you do, anyway. I’m a big fan of and listening helps you grow your I’ve been fortunate enough to work sharing knowledge…not everyone is, knowledge base.

22 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

LUKE JECKS, GREG BANBURY CEO, MD Naked Wines International/Naked Wines Australia

Luke Jecks was appointed CEO of Naked Wines International after his crowdfunded wine business, Naked Wines Australia, was acquired by UK retailer Majestic Wine in 2015. He is responsible for driving domestic and international growth. Naked Wines Australia MD Greg Banbury, a founding member of Naked Wines in the UK, moved to Australia with the company.

AUDREY KHAING-JONES, DEAN JONES Co-founder/COO, co-founder/CEO GlamCorner

From the finance sector, husband-and-wife team Dean Jones and Audrey Khaing-Jones started online fashion rental business GlamCorner in 2011, based on America’s Rent the Runway. Backed by AirTree Ventures, the couple has about 50 Australian and US designers on board including Alex Perry, Badgley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg and Zimmerman. Khaing-Jones describes GlamCorner as primarily a logistics and technology company.

JASON KENCEVSKI CEO Speedmaster

With more than 15 years’ experience in online retail, Jason Kencevski is CEO of Speedmaster, which supplies aftermarket automotive spare parts. He started out as a one-man bricks-and-mortar business, and now Syd- ney-based Speedmaster is a global supply chain with a manufacturing plant in China, a 6503 sqm distribution centre in Los Angeles and more than 400 employees.

PAUL KENNEDY CIO Greencross

Greencross is a pet-care retailer with more than 200 stores under the City Farmers and Petbarn brands in Australia, and Animates in New Zealand. CIO Paul Kennedy is leading its digital transformation and helping inte- grate its retail and veterinary businesses. He was previously CIO at fashion brand distributor APG, and also implemented a digital platform for UK retailer John Lewis.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 23 STANDOUT | INNOVATION

The need for desperation

While innovation carries risk, it also carries reward, says one of two standout performers in the Innovation category, Luke Jecks of Naked Wines.

hen Luke Jecks started that cannot afford to take risks are the sation. Then there are people who Naked Wines in 2012, he ones that are innovating. It is because really want to question the rules, and W knew he needed more of their need to survive. They don’t they’re hugely valuable, too. You need than just a cool name to survive in a just say, ‘This is new, therefore it’s both, and they need to work together. highly consolidated industry. cool’. Instead, they say, ‘This is new, but it has to work’. So they develop AVOIDING THE PENDULUM His answer was to take a completely the concept until it works. When there A common statement we have at different approach from the competi- is no desperation involved, people Naked Wines is, “Avoid the pendu- tion by having customers crowdfund tend to stop too soon. lum”. You see this in businesses all winemakers for discounted prices. the time. They pendulum away from This willingness to break with con- TRUSTING THE PROCESS tactics that don’t quite work. What vention and try something new is the There’s a point in your business you actually need is a balance. mark of a true innovator. where innovation starts to need control. When there’s just a few of you DISRUPTING THE DUOPOLIES Here, Jecks shares his thoughts on doing it, there’s lots of communication Australian retail is largely duopolies: innovation... and it works well. When it’s a larger Coles and Woolworths, Optus and organisation, you have to replace Telstra, Qantas and Virgin. These INNOVATION AS desperation with good process. businesses have reached the top not PROBLEM-SOLVING through innovation, but through a When it comes down to it, innova- HIRING INNOVATIVE PEOPLE price war or land grab. As long there tion is just problem-solving, but it’s When hiring, you need to look for are just two big players fighting for problem-solving outside the norm. I somebody who is naturally inquisitive. market share, they are never going to see a lot of people trying to innovate Most importantly, they are inquisitive have to innovate to get ahead. for innovation’s sake, and that doesn’t of why a rule exists. They don’t just work. assume it’s there for a reason. That BLIND SPOTS sort of a brain also tends to think, why The reason the UK and US are put on THE PARADOX OF RISK couldn’t it be this way, or that way? a pedestal is because large business- Innovation carries risk, but this means es in Australia are constantly tasking it also carries reward. You’d think that FOLLOWING THE RULES their people to look at best practices. big businesses would innovate more There are some people who just don’t If you’re always trying to catch up to because they can carry more risk, but want to question the rules, they want best practice, you’re never innovating, it’s actually the reverse - individual to work within them. Those people you’re never ahead of the game. entrepreneurs and small businesses are hugely valuable to an organi-

24 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

RUSLAN KOGAN, DAVID SHAFER Founder, executive director Kogan.com Ruslan Kogan started Kogan.com in his parents’ garage in Melbourne in 2006, selling private-label televisions and other items. Former lawyer David Shafer, a key advisor from the start, became executive director in 2010. Kogan.com’s range now includes travel, beauty, furniture and mobile-phone plans. It relaunched retailer Dick Smith online last year, and raised $50 million through an IPO.

KATE LANGFORD GM, digital retail Woolworths

Kate Langford joined Woolworths in 2011 after it acquired the Cellarmas- ters Group, a retail and wine production company where she was MD. Langford now runs digital retail for Woolworths’ food business, and played a key role in the trial of click-and-collect pick-up site at Sydney’s Bondi Junction train station. She is a board member of the Association for Da- ta-Driven Marketing & Advertising.

GABBY AND HEZI LEIBOVICH Co-founders/directors The Catch Group Brothers Gabby and Hezi Leibovich founded Catch Group in 2006. It runs the online retail sites Catch of the Day, Grocery Run, Mumgo and Yum Ta- ble. In 2015, it launched a membership service offering free shipping and priority access to deals. Catch of the Day made its first foray offline last year with a pop-up at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station.

IVAN LIM Co-founder/CEO Brosa Brosa is a designer furniture e-commerce retailer backed by venture capital company AirTree Ventures. Launched in 2014 to provide an easy and affordable way to buy premium furniture, Brosa works directly with international craftsmen. Co-founder/CEO Ivan Lim was previously head of marketing and growth at the small business marketplace Elto, which was acquired by GoDaddy in 2015.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 25 TOP 50 PROFILES

JANE LU CEO/co-founder Showpo Showpo (formerly Showpony) founder Jane Lu left a corporate finance career with Ernst & Young and KPMG to run FatBoyce Group (pop-up clothing stores in bars). After this failed she co-founded Showpo in September 2010, which now has a 2.2 million-strong social-media following. With an annual turnover of $25 million, the pure-play fashion retailer ships to more than 80 countries.

KATHERINE MAMONTOFF Online GM Estee Lauder Companies For nearly 20 years, Katherine Mamontoff has been developing and implementing both B2B and B2C e-commerce strategies. After management positions with Sony and IBM, Mamontoff is now online GM for Estee Lauder Companies, where she directs the e-commerce and omnichannel strategies for eight brands, including Estee Lauder, Clinique and MAC, across seven e-commerce sites in Australia and New Zealand.

JETHRO MARKS Co-founder/joint CEO The Nile Joint CEO Jethro Marks co-founded TheNile.com.au with Mark Taylor in 2003. The online department store sells baby products, books, DVDs and toys through eBay. Starting with $5000 and a computer, the company now ships to more than 60 countries. Marks is a former board member of the National Online Retailers Association and is a speaker about online retail.

JULIE MATHERS Founder Flora & Fauna

Julie Mathers’ experience in retail has included big-box organisations in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia, including John Lewis, Aeon, APG and Coles. Most recently, she headed up the e-commerce division of Masters Home Improvement, tripling the company’s online business. In November 2014, Mathers launched Flora & Fauna, an online beauty and lifestyle store specialising in ethical products.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

26 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

SUE MEEHAN Global director, brand/e-commerce Emu Australia As global director of brand and e-commerce for lifestyle company Emu Australia, Sue Meehan oversees all consumer-facing retail and online activity while also managing partnerships and initiatives, such as the technicalities of the company’s launch on Amazon. She leads a team that is spread across Europe, Australia and North America.

DANY MILHAM, MITCH TAYLOR Co-founders/directors Koala Mattress

Dany Milham and Mitch Taylor launched bed-in-a-box company Koala Mattress in November 2015. In its first 79 days, the venture generated $1 million in sales. It offers free delivery in six major cities across Australasia, and plans to expand into Asia, the UK and US this year. Milham is a designer and software engineer, while Taylor has an e-commerce background.

PAULA MITCHELL GM, e-commerce General Pants Co In her more than 10 years in retail, Paula Mitchell has delivered multi-channel projects and grown e-commerce business for such brands as Bendon, Dan Murphy’s and Rebel. As GM of e-commerce at General Pants Group she is responsible for global strategy, website optimisation, operations and fulfilment, digital marketing and CRM. Last year she led a platform overhaul for the brand.

KATE MORRIS Founder/CEO Adore Beauty

Kate Morris launched pure-play online beauty store Adore Beauty in 1999 when she was 21 years old. She is expecting the company to turn over $25 million this year. Retail giant Woolworths took a quarter stake in the business in 2015, which she bought back this year. Morris is a non-executive director of the National Online Retailers Association.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 27 STANDOUT | LEADERSHIP AND IMPACT Hitting her stride

Kate Morris, a standout performer in the Leadership and Broader Impact categories, talks about the challenges of being a female business leader.

dore Beauty founder Kate Mor- white men and one woman…I find it ris leads by example in busi- absolutely appalling. And the excuses Aness and in life, but the double I hear… I’m well over it, and I’m not category winner says women are still going to be nice about it any more. marginalised at many industry events and conferences. It happens less often with my own business because I’m the boss. There Morris talks to Internet Retailing about is a proud history of women CEOs in being a good leader and getting the the beauty industry – Elizabeth Arden, respect she deserves… Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown – so it’s easier to gain respect. But there are What qualities make a good leader? still all kinds of subtle things. I find A good leader is able to develop and that software and technology vendors communicate a set of values that often approach my business partner guides the entire company. Most first because they assume he knows importantly, a good leader lives those more. My tech background is actually values and is an example to everyone a lot stronger than his, but what do I else. A good leader gets along well know? I sell make-up. with their team, but they’re not close friends. How do you think about your impact on the broader community, Have you always been a leader? including customers, employees I’ve always been a leader, but I con- and society at large? tinue to grow. One of the things I’m We do a lot to make sure all our pack- learning now is how much my feelings aging is recycled, recyclable or both. and behaviour can affect everyone That can be tricky with cosmetics as else in the organisation. So even if I’m people expect a certain amount of having a crappy day, I can’t bring any glamour. The approach we take is to of that with me. I have a network of give customers as much information people in similar leadership positions, as possible, but I would never tell and I can vent to them about the them what they should or should not things I find challenging. buy. We also have an accredited cru- elty-free section on the website, and What is it like being a woman in a we carry vegan products. leadership position today? This is something I feel really passion- I think it’s about treating everyone ate about. I think we’ve hit a plateau with integrity and respect. I respect in gender equality and things are not my team members and their contribu- getting better. I am frequently invit- tions. I see them as people with their ed to events where I’m one of two own lives who deserve to be able to women in the room, and it is obvious see their kids, whether that means I’m there to tick a box. I attended The working from home some days, or CEO Magazine Executive of the Year starting work at 9:30am to do the Awards and was gobsmacked by school drop-off. The most important how sexist that event was. To contin- thing for me is to extend that flexibility ue to see events and conferences in to everybody. I believe that helps us this day and age with a panel of six attract good people.

28 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

JORDAN MUIR CIO/co-founder Aussie Farmers Direct

After launching Aussie Farmers Direct in 2005, Jordan Muir served as CEO for nearly 10 years. He helped create its home-delivery model as well as its warehousing and logistics infrastructure. Since 2015, Muir has overseen the development of e-commerce strategy for Get Wines Direct and established a digital logistics platform through a disruptive new 3PL provider, Home Delivery Services.

TONY NASH, WAYNE BASKIN Co-founder/CEO, CTO Booktopia Tony Nash founded online bookshop Booktopia in 2004 with his brother and brother-in-law. It now has 125 employees, with sales heading toward $100 million. Wayne Baskin started at Booktopia as a software developer in 2008, becoming CTO in 2012. As well as overseeing its website, mobile app and e-book platform, he helped develop its distribution centre and warehouse management system.

DEBORAH PAPAZOGLU Head, e-commerce Topshop Deborah Papazoglu was appointed head of digital and marketing for Topshop’s Topman brand in Australia in January 2015, and oversaw the launch of the brand’s e-commerce platform this March. With nearly a decade of experience in technology and omnichannel retail, Papazoglu is committed to innovation and delivering seamless customer experiences. She is part of Australia Post’s customer advisory group.

PETER RATCLIFFE Head of digital Retail Apparel Group

As head of digital at Retail Apparel Group, Peter Ratcliffe is responsible for developing the menswear retailer’s e-commerce strategy. Since joining the company in 2013, he has overseen several digital transformation projects and is now re-developing the platforms of the group’s brands - Connor, Johnny Bigg, Rockwear, Tarocash and YD. Ratcliffe previously worked at Gazal Apparel and APG.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 29 TOP 50 PROFILES

ADAM SCHWAB Co-founder/CEO Lux Group Adam Schwab founded the Lux Group with Jeremy Same in 2010. With a turnover of $299 million last year, it now has 15 brands including Brands Exclusive, Living Social and Luxury Escapes, and more than 400 staff globally. A financial journalist for BRW and Crikey since 2004, Schwab has also been a corporate lawyer, and was a founding director of corporate accommodation and services group Living Corporate Apartments.

SEAN SENVIRTNE Founder/CEO MyDealr Sean Senvirtne launched online marketplace MyDeal.com.au in 2012, which now earns $30 million annually with 150 per cent year-on-year growth. With more than a million users, the site offers 25,000 products. After raising $5 million in a funding round last year, MyDeal is improving its mobile offering. Senvirtne previously ran an online directory for Melbourne nightlife.

LOUISA SIMPSON Head, E-commerce Mecca Brands Louisa Simpson heads up e-commerce for cosmetics retailer Mecca, which also has a chain of stores across Australasia, including Mecca Cosmetica, Mecca Maxima and Myer concessions. Before joining Mecca in 2015, Simp- son led e-commerce at Pacific Brands Underwear Group, where she launched online stores for the Berlei, Bonds, Bonds Outlet and Jockey brands. She started her career at Coles Online.

JULIE STEVANJA Co-founder/CEO Stylerunner After co-founding Stylerunner with her twin sister in October 2012, Julie Stevanja has been running the online activewear store solo since May 2015. Stylerunner has customers in more than 100 countries and has a social-media following with its sportswear labels. It added a publishing arm last year, Triple White, to inspire shoppers, and had a pop-up store in Sydney.

Legend: new to the list former rising star

30 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au TOP 50 PROFILES

BRENDAN SWEENEY Group GM, e-commerce Cotton On Group

Brendan Sweeney is responsible for driving online sales, maximising customer engagement and delivering innovative digital strategies across the Cotton On Group’s seven brands. Since joining the company in September 2015, he has introduced a click-and-collect initiative and worked on a large-scale partnership with Amazon in the US. Sweeney spent three years at Wesfarmers, helping to transform Coles’ multichannel offering

JOHN WINNING CEO Winning Group Appliances Online founder John Winning is CEO of family appliances retailer Winning Group, which includes three other businesses: bricks-and- mortar retailer Winning Appliances, national installation company Handy Crew and seconds retailer Electro Seconds Factory Outlet. With a focus on logistics and customer service, Winning has grown the Appliances Online business from a one-man venture to now employ upward of 250 people.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 31 TEN E-COMMERCE RISING STARS

32 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 2017 RISING STARS

ELLE ARAM Co-founder/CEO, Kini Swimwear

Elle Aram launched Kini Swimwear with friend and business partner Emily Pinniger in 2013. The pureplay online retailer was an early adopter of the personalisation trend, giving customers the ability to design their own swimwear from a range of style, colour and price options. With a background in IT and finance, Aram is responsible for driving the company’s strategy.

ANDY FALLSHAW Founder/CEO, Bellroy Andy Fallshaw is the co-founder and CEO of wallet and acces- sories brand Bellroy, which sells online to over 150 countries, with a global warehouse footprint. Bellroy products are stocked in over 2000 bricks-and-mortar stores globally, including the likes of Barneys, Nordstrom and Patagonia. Fallshaw also started the content platform Carryology.com, which has recently launched a flagship retail store in Melbourne.

MIKE HALLIGAN GM, The 5th

Mike Halligan drives the global sales and marketing strategy for online lifestyle brand The 5th, which is known for operating a unique scarcity model, selling for just five days each month. He previously headed up marketing at men’s fashion brands Zaner- obe/Barney Cools, where he designed and launched their online stores. Halligan brings a unique blend of technology, brand story- telling, design and data experience to his e-commerce career.

DAVID LIM Founder, Timberbits.com

David Lim turned an offline hobby into a rapidly growing e-commerce business with the launch of Timberbits.com in 2008. Now Australia’s leading online supplier of woodworking tools and kits, Timberbits.com has also gained traction overseas, with over one- third of customers based internationally. Lim attributes his success to offering an exceptional customer experience, diverse product range, great prices and warehouse efficiency.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 33 2017 RISING STARS

CHRISTIAN MCGILLOWAY Head, digital, Retail Zoo/Boost Juice Christian Mc Gilloway sets the global digital strategy for Retail Zoo and its individual brands, where he oversaw the launch of click and collect ordering in the Boost Juice mobile app and a mobile game, which drove over $1 million in sales in just six weeks. Mc Gilloway fosters a collaborative relationship between Retail Zoo’s marketing, digital and IT teams and showcases the role e-commerce has to play in the QSR sector.

NICK NICOLAOU Co-founder/MD, GoLights.com.au After starting a lighting importing and distribution business in 2010, Nick Nicolaou co-founded GoLights.com.au with Vince Hansimikali and Andrew Proestos in 2012. The business has experienced rapid growth and is now Australia’s largest online lighting retailer. Nicolaou started his career in the digital marketing and online gaming/casino/poker space and is passionate about new retail and the digital landscape.

DEAN SALAKAS CEO, THE PARTY PEOPLE

Dean Salakas is chief executive of The Party People, a bricks-and- clicks party store. Since launching The Party People online in 1999, Salakas has overseen a number of digital initiatives, including being an early adopter of Google AdWords in Australia and working as a case study for Facebook. The Party People continues to grow online as it also expands its offline footprint.

ERICA STEWART Founder/CEO, Hardtofind Erica Stewart is the founder and CEO of gift and lifestyle products marketplace Hardtofind. Stewart brings more than 10 years’ experience working in senior advertising and publishing roles to the business, which she has grown into a multi-million dollar company with no outside investment. Stewart has put great customer service at the heart of her offering, which has resulted in more than 50 per cent of customers making repeat purchases.

34 Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 2017 RISING STARS

DEAN VELLA E-commerce lead, Levi Strauss ANZ Joining Levi Strauss in August 2016, Dean Vella is responsible for driving the online strategy in Australia and New Zealand of one of the world’s most iconic brands. Vella made the transition to e-commerce management roles five years ago, after getting his start in digital marketing. Prior to Levi Strauss, he worked at the Lew-owned BrandBank Group, where he developed the online and omnichannel strategy for French Connection and Seed Heritage.

LEO ZAITSEV Director of commercial operations, Klika.com.au Leo Zaitsev is a long-time entrepreneur, but only recently started working in the e-commerce industry full-time. He started his first online business while attending university and founded two more between careers in the law and banking. After Klika Group acquired one of those companies in early 2015, Zaitsev was appointed director of Klika.com.au’s commercial operations. He now drives the growth strategy, develops and manages supplier relationships and oversees brand-building.

Internet Retailing | InternetRetailing.com.au 3

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