Simon Smith

Simon Smith – IFT Accredited Member 

Simon has over 30 years experience in the retail and fashion industry.

Simon has served in the capacity of CEO/Managing Director on the main boards of Sabotage Limited [ Fly53], WDT -World Design and Trade Company Limited [ owners of: Firetrap, Fullcircle and Sonneti ],  Blues Filobranca [ major licensee holder in the UK ] Jefferson International Limited [ Major supplier to the High Street department store multiples ]

 Simon has led a number of fashion brands profitably into Multi Channel Retail Trading businesses, including WDT, where he trebled EBITDA to Ł8m.

 Core skills are identifying a retailer or brand’s DNA, strategising, business restructuring, negotiation, retail image, retail merchandising, product design and development, and business plan implementation. Implementing across trading channels from traditional wholesale, on line wholesale, department store retailing, retail concessions, retail stand alone, outlet stores and own brand on line retail. 

 In recent years Simon has established his own consultancy (Discern Consulting) advising and acting on behalf of leading investors, retailers and brands with regard to acquisition, business re-structuring, business transformation, business development and investment opportunities. 

Amongst recent work is the overseeing and redevelopment of a major Dublin Department Store, Blanco Spain fashion retail restructuring for a successful sale, the sale of the fashion chain Republic and Chief Restructuring Officer at Ben Sherman.