David To

An international retail professional with an exceptional 18-year record in key leadership roles in Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and SE Asia. Proven track record and brand management experience across Direct to Consumer Stores & E-com, Distributors, and Wholesale channels.

Specialties: P&L Management, Brand Management, Business Development, Business Transformation, Negotiations, Supply Chain, S&OP, Buying & 
Merchandising. 

EXPERIENCED BUSINESS LEADER: Spearhead the SEA growth strategy for a global retailer in the premium segment of the footwear market. I drive business development objectives, and P&L performance for two subsidiary markets; Singapore and Malaysia, as well as 12 Distributor partners across 7 markets in Asia. Currently, I’m managing an office organization of 35 back-office staff in two offices and a direct retail sales team of approximately 100 employees.

BUILDING RELATIONS AND PENETRATING MARKETS: Led business expansion into 2 new markets in SEA, including establishing a joint venture business with the largest retailer in the Philippines. Over the same period, my team grew sales in the overall Distributor business by 25% in the first 16 months ~ driven by organic growth with 
key customers.

DRIVING DIRECT TO CONSUMER (DTC): Led a direct retail store network of approximately 30 boutiques and department store counters across Singapore and Malaysia. Together with my team we have grown sales in Malaysiaby a factor of 3X in 4 years and delivered an all-time record profit in Singapore in 2022 ~ increasing profit as a % of 
sales by 4% ppts. Directed the E-com expansion on two own ecom stores and 6 marketplace platforms ~ overall digital sales grew a factory of 8X in 4 years.

LEADING COLLABORATION & NEGOTIATION: Headed APAC integrated business planning for Greater China and Asia Pacific markets which included the centralization of planning, purchasing, and distribution operations ~ improved
sell-through by 6 ppts, and decreased inventory as a % of sales by 12 ppts. Co-headed company's monthly, annual, and 3-year strategic and financial planning processes ~ implemented a cross-functional process for a monthly rolling 
plan. Managed over 20 retail leasing negotiations ~ opened 14 stores and decreased retail rental costs as a % of sales by 9 ppts over 4 years. 

Global Executive MBA, INSEAD, 2021-2023
INSEAD Singapore Startup Bootcamp Finalist, 2022
INSEAD Venture Competition Finalist 2021
INSEAD Venture Competition Semi-Finalist 2022

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM, 2012
Corporate Education Program (12 MONTHS)
 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN DENMARK, 2003
Overseas Seas Study (9 months)
 

CENTENNIAL COLLAGE, 2001-2003
International Business – Major