Turnaround Executive, General Management Background, Chief Executive Officer, General Manager

William H. Parker

Senior retail executive who has led global multi-billion businesses by taking companies to their next level by strengthening their positions in the market and developing distinctive strategies to achieve competitive advantage. Turnaround executive who specializes in maximizing the potential and opportunities of distressed companies; also specializes in providing professional business management to small entrepreneurial companies so they achieve their full growth potential:

In depth experience in merchandising, product development, international manufacturing, store operations and financial management within department, specialty and discount business formats. Keen understanding of financial key performance indicators so profitability is enhanced and maximized.
A corporate executive who has successfully transitioned to the Private Equity arena with an assertive style and a high achievement record.

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FORMAT CORPORATE

DEPARTMENT STORES

Macy’s: Menswear Buyer
May Company: Store Operations; Divisional Merchandise Manager {menswear, children’s wear, soft home}
Dayton-Hudson’s: Store General Manager; Divisional Merchandise Manager {menswear, young menswear, sporting goods and footwear}
Carson Pirie Scott: Senior Vice President Merchandising-Menswear, Intimate Apparel, Children’s Wear, Footwear

SPECIALTY STORES

Old Navy: Vice President of Stores and Operations for the Midwestern Zone
Banana Republic: Senior Vice President of Stores and Operations
Gateway: President and General Manager of Gateway’s Retail Stores

MASS MERCHANDISERS

Target: Divisional Merchandise Manager, Footwear
Kmart: Vice President of Marketing and Sales Promotion; Vice President Merchandising, Home Décor

FORMAT ENTREPRENEUR/INVESTOR

PRIVATE COMPANIES

Pharmaca, Integrative Pharmacy: Chief Operating Officer
Jeanomix {contemporary branded jeans and contemporary sportswear for men and women}

VISIONARY THINKING

Have a clear vision for the business with a long term big picture view that foresees obstacles and opportunities. Has the ability to generate breakthrough ideas that helps shape the long term strategy for the enterpise. Recognizes when it is time to shift strategic direction and anticipate the evolution and future of the industry and how the organization must adapt to these changes in order to maintain competitive advantage.

SHAPING STRATEGY AND EXECUTION

Able to develop a set of core values that are timeless and serve as the guiding principles for the organization so the habits, beliefs and behaviors form the basis for cultural development in the enterprise through a series of key and critical questions.

Where Are We Now?
Where Do We Want To Be?
How Will We Get There?
Who Must Do What?
How Are We Doing?

The organization's "fitness" is assessed so each team member understands the capabilites that are essential for strategy development and strategy implementation so the desired results are delivered in a sustainable manner.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACUMEN

Has a key sense of understanding the meaning and implications of key financial performance indicators; Manages overall financial performance through a rigorous discipline of self analysis and industry benchmarks with an eye on short term performance along with sustainable long term viability.
Uses financial analysis to create and evaluate strategic options and opportunities.

ATTRACTING AND DEVELOPING TALENT

Creates an environment that provides direction and promotes "a teachable point of view" among the company's leaders and team membersAttracts high caliber people with diverse backgrounds, capabilities and talents. Recognizes the full potential of all team members by by providing the needed resources, leadership, coaching and participative management so creativity is unleashed.

TRANSITION FROM A CORPORATE EXECUTIVE TO AN ENTREPRENEUR

The key ingredients for a successful transition from a senior corporate executive to an entrepreneur are:

Create an empowering climate for new ideas
Encourage experimentation
Foster and develop a sense of being an owner of the business
Provide a clear business context of what is to be achieved
Encourage the right kinds of innovation
Take the risk and invest your own money into the business venture

Bill has invested a significant amount of capital into the growth and development of Pharmaca, Integrative Pharmacy along with, "Highland Capital, Richard L. Scott Investments, Great Spirit Ventures, Arthur Blank and other illustrious Private Equity Groups and wealthy individuals

When tapped by a Billionaire Entrepreneur who is the Principal Owner of a large private equity firm to become the CEO of a new start up {JEANOMiX, a premium denim and contemporary sportswear company}, Bill was able to invest and own approximately 10% in the new company.