Abdul Jaafar

Group Chief Operating Officer | Versatile Group As Group Chief Operating Officer, I am responsible for driving operational excellence, scalability, and performance across the Versatile Group’s vertically integrated business model. My remit spans end-to-end supply chain, procurement, technology, and the Group’s workforce solutions business (Absolute Workforce), with a focus on unlocking efficiency, strengthening commercial outcomes, and enabling sustainable growth. I lead the design and execution of group-wide operational strategy, including: Establishing disciplined operating rhythms, performance frameworks, and accountability structures Optimising procurement and supply chain models to deliver cost efficiencies and supplier alignment Enhancing shared services (Finance, IT, Administration) to improve scalability and service delivery Driving technology and systems integration to create a unified, data-led operating environment Accelerating digital transformation through automation and process innovation Through a structured discovery and transformation roadmap, I partner closely with the Chairman & Group CEO, Group Managing Director, Chief Financial Officer and leadership team to identify constraints, prioritise high-impact initiatives, and embed measurable performance improvements across all business units. My focus is on building a high-performing, technology-enabled operating model that leverages the Group’s unique capabilities in workforce and project delivery—positioning Versatile Group for continued growth and market leadership.

Founder and Managing Director of Novarus Group Pty Ltd, an operator-led supply chain and procurement advisory focused on real-world execution, not theoretical consulting. Novarus Group Pty Ltd partners with CEOs and executive teams to solve complex commercial and operational challenges across supply chain, procurement, and operating models. The work is grounded in senior line-management experience; bringing practical judgement, accountability, and implementation discipline to every engagement. We work alongside client teams to deliver measurable outcomes in cost, resilience, service, and capability; staying involved through execution, not just recommendations.

My Leadership Remit includes Supply Chain, Logistics, Planning, Operations, Transformation, Commercial Insights, Finance and Procurement (Direct, Indirect and Property). This role holds end-to-end operational accountability, full P&L ownership and the management of Capital Investments. I am actively involved with the CEO in hosting Investor and Shareholder Days, and Board Presentations. I have direct oversight and leadership of: Finance and Commercial Operations Logistics Network Planning Inventory and Planning Chief Procurement Officer Strategy and Transformation People and Culture Supply Chain NZ Executive Assistant

Bapcor Limited is Australasia's leading provider of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, automotive equipment and services, spanning the end-to-end aftermarket supply chain covering Trade, Specialist Wholesale, Retail and Service Businesses, including brands such as Burson Auto Parts, Autobarn, Autopro, Opposite Lock, and service businesses Midas & ABS. Bapcor is a $2 billion dollar, ASX200 listed Public Company, employing over 5,000 team members in 1,000 locations across Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. Reporting to the Group CEO & Executive Chair, as the Executive General Manager (EGM), I lead the Group Supply Chain Team across Asia Pacific. The purpose of the EGM role is to lead the development and execution of a comprehensive Global Supply Chain Strategy and roadmap, which aligns with the company's overall performance goals and continuous improvement objectives of effectively managing and moving Inventory, increasing Efficiency and Speed, reducing Costs, maximising the Customer Experience, and optimising both our Company Culture and Safety Culture, to support the entire business. Over the past 3 years, the Group Supply Chain Team has achieved outstanding results, some of which are detailed below: ▪ Development and transformation of the entire Global Supply Chain strategy and roadmap ▪ Significantly reduced overall Supply Chain costs and labour costs ▪ Significantly reducing Logistics Costs, whilst rationalising existing and sourcing new global Logistics Providers ▪ Opened 6 new DC’s across Australia and NZ; which required the consolidation of large numbers of individual Warehouses. ▪ Transformation of the entire Team Culture on many levels, and achieved huge wins in our drive for a proactive Team Safety Culture ▪ Implemented GTP Automated Systems across 2 DC’s ▪ Created the Bapcor's first carbon neutral DC, located in Qld ▪ Awarded Trusted Trader full accreditation status with Australian Border Force

Operating in Australia as a not-for-profit since 1964, ASCI has fostered the professional learning in globally recognised best practice supply chain management. ASCI has grown the end to end supply chain management community over the years, merging into its fold the Logistics Association of Australia (2015); the Alliance for Supply Chain Innovation (2015), the Lean Network Australia (2016), and the Australian Chamber of International Trade (2017). As majority shareholder for the SMART Conference and the SMART Awards, it rebranded the conference and awards under its rebrand to Australasian Supply Chain Institute (ASCI) as the Professional Accreditation Body to reach its mission to professionalise Supply Chain Management in Australasia.

The Ethics Committee oversees the implementation and maintenance of the ASCI Ethics Management Program and its Code of Ethics. The Ethics Management Program offers ASCI Members of all classes access to a professionalisation-based Ethics Program including: - Grievance processes including investigation, disciplinary, penalties and appeals - A Professional Conduct Statement with mandatory minimum standards of conduct and principles covering ethics in the supply chain - Access to relevant coaching, guidance and webinars. The Ethics Committee is dedicated to the establishment of shared values, culture, ethos and mindset in the Supply Chain domain.

I am the General Manager - Supply Chain and Manufacturing at Fantastic Furniture, part of the Greenlit Brands, and Australia’s largest vertically integrated retailer. We have a turnover in excess of $500 million, manufacture all our own products that are sold through 80 store locations as well as online, and employ over 3000 people. • Reporting directly to the CEO, I am responsible for the successful operation of Fantastic’s Supply Chain, Logistics and Manufacturing functions, leading a Team of 400 nationally. • My Direct Reports include Managers in Warehousing & Distribution (we have 5 National DC’s), Ocean Freight, Transport, Manufacturing, Inventory Demand Planning, and Safety, Quality and Business Improvement. • I was promoted into this expanded role of General Manager, Supply Chain and Manufacturing after a successful 4 year period as General Manager, Supply Chain and Quality Assurance. • Working closely with cross-functional Teams and Business Partners; as well as the Merchandise and Marketing Team, Retail and eCommerce Team, I ensure we consistently deliver outstanding results, and our budgeted EBITDA. • I’m proud to say that over the past year we have decreased Supply Chain CODB by a huge 12%; improved Cost of Quality by 39%; and reduced Lead Times of locally made Lounges by an amazing 12 weeks.

I joined Unitrans Asia Pacific, part of Steinhoff Asia Pacific, in 2013 as Head of Customer Supply Chain; and was promoted to Global Supply Chain Manager of Steinhoff International after only one year in the role. I worked across the two roles for a short period of time. Steinhoff International owned the UK Homestyle Group, and Conforama, Europe’s second largest retailer of home furnishings ... and as of August 2016, Steinhoff held 40 different retail brands in 30 countries, with over 6,500 retail outlets. With so many retail brands, successful end to end Supply Chain management was of massive importance to Steinhoff. In this role I reported to the Global Chief Executive Officer of Supply Chain with 35 Staff across Europe and Asia, and dotted line reports in Australia. I lived in both Europe and Asia, and was responsible for leading diverse teams and cultures internationally.

Allied Express is the largest, independently owned courier and express freight company in Australia, with offices in all major cities, revenue of $200 million and a fleet of over 1000 freight vehicles. I joined in 2008 as National Manager and was promoted to General Manager after 4 successful years in the role.

APS provided over 300 contractors to a large group of clients. As State Manager, I managed the daily operations of the business, ensured we achieved sales budgets and exceeded client expectations; was responsible to find ways of growing the business; trained and developed our team; and lead the expansion of APS into other states around Australia.

BA-LAW1S - Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)

Master of Business Administration. Completed in March 2023.