Tony Backshall

Actively retired Retail and Global Sourcing Executive

About

A highly competent retail supply and logistics executive including 8.5 years in China and Hong Kong, developing a sound understanding of setting up and operating successful sourcing operations across South East Asia, including understanding the cultural requirements to operate within these regions coupled with an active focus on ethical sourcing. Prior retail positions have developed well respected leadership skills, a track record of building and developing teams that deliver above average levels of engagement and performance. Recognised by Peers for the following qualities; championing diversity, indigenous inclusion, honesty, integrity, empathy, and deep understanding of Woolworths business as a result of 48 years’ experience in a number of different roles across Business Units and Support Functions throughout the Woolworths Group, Specialties: Retail Operations Employee Relations Procurement/Global Sourcing

Country

Australia

City

Falcon

Industry

Retail

Skill

Retail, Sourcing, Management, Merchandising, Global Sourcing, Store Management, Procurement, Inventory Management, FMCG, Human Resources, Multi-channel Retail, Performance Management, Stakeholder Management, Merchandise Planning, Supermarkets, CPFR, Succession Planning, Retail Buying, Grocery, Private Label

Experience

Actively retired Retail and Global Sourcing Executive

2022-1 - Present · 4 yrs 9 mos

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Head of Big W Asia

Woolworths Group

2018-3 - 2022-2 · 4 yrs

Hong Kong

Direct report to the General Manager Commercial Big W. Responsible for setting the strategic direction and managing the end to end sourcing operations, leading a team of 105, of which 75 are located in Hong Kong and 30 in Bangladesh. Partnering with Big W Design and Commercial Leaders in Australia in identifying appropriate manufacturers of Apparel and General Merchandise products for Big W throughout Mainland China, South East Asia and the Sub Continent.

Head of Diversity and Culture Woolworths Limited

Woolworths Group

2015-12 - 2018-2 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Sydney, Australia

Direct report to General Manager Culture, Change & Talent. Responsible for providing leadership in the development of strategic Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and engaging leaders and team members Group wide to assist with the enablement of the Group wide Business Transformation strategy, including execution of the 2020 sustainability commitments.

Head of Sourcing Support Office

Woolworths Group

2013-9 - 2015-12 · 2 yrs 4 mos

Sydney, Australia

Direct report to Group Commercial Director. Responsible for the establishment of the Group wide Sourcing Support Office. Role specifically established to support the Groups offshore Sourcing Office operations in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangladesh and Bangkok through strengthening engagement between Australian Commercial and Sourcing teams, development of strategic Sourcing initiatives and business reporting.

General Manager Woolworths (HK) Procurement Shanghai Representative Office

Woolworths Group

2008-5 - 2013-9 · 5 yrs 5 mos

Shanghai, China

Direct report to Managing Director Woolworths Global Sourcing. Responsible for the establishment of the Shanghai Representative Office for Woolworths Global Sourcing and development of a manufacturing base in Mainland China and Southeast Asia to produce and supply Own Brand products for Woolworths Supermarkets and Big W.

General Manager Human Resources Woolworths Supermarkets

Woolworths Limited

2007-2 - 2008-3 · 1 yr 2 mos

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Direct report to Managing Director Woolworths Supermarkets. Total responsibility for setting and leading strategic direction and day to day management of the Human Resources function for Woolworths Supermarkets across Australia and New Zealand .