The principals of strategic market intelligence bring together a highly relevant, customer focussed skill set that is unique in the retail consulting field.
Drawing from diverse formal qualifications, and extensive consumer experience honed from the realities of cutting edge retail environments, the founders of smi provide strong vision and leadership in the pursuit of customer alignment.
smi thrives on a passionate business focus bedded in maximising value for its clients.
Josephh Ebbage <PICTURE>
Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Theology (Hons), Diploma of Education (Secondary)
Joseph Ebbage has over fifteen years experience in the retail environment, at both an operational and merchandise level. Joe enjoyed a rapid career path within Coles Supermarkets, riding the wave of centralisation and category management. He is an expert in all aspects of modern category management and concept development, working closely on the evolution of Coles Health & Beauty concept stores and Essentially Me.
Joseph brings excellent retail side feel to product development, brand management, promotional planning and private label opportunities. He excels in analysing opportunities and converting them to actionable solutions that have impact on customers. He is keenly aware of the realities of sales and profit generation, having delivered strong growth in product portfolios with annual turnover exceeding $150 million.
Joe has worked with companies of all sizes on diverse consumer research projects, a number of which have led to outcomes that have been adopted across the industry.
smi customers benefit from Joseph’s formal teaching background in the development of simple yet powerful models and frameworks, as well as his excellent presentation and training skills.
Nicholas Bez A.A.M.I. <PICTURE>
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science, Marketing (Hons), Master of Business Administration (Melbourne)
Nick Bez has over ten years experience in the retail industry, having studied and worked in both the USA and Australia.
The winner of the 1994 Uncle Ben’s retail scholarship, Nick spent 6 years in executive positions within the Merchandise & Marketing functions with Coles Myer supermarkets, working in analytical, project management and strategic roles. He worked in various capacities on the CML Supplier Relationship program for 4 years from its inception and was instrumental in the development of many of its components including the BDP and the Management Exchange program.
He has worked closely with the majority of large multi-nationals servicing the FMCG industry in helping them maximise the opportunities available to them by embracing a co-operative approach to business. This practical experience is invaluable to the clients of smi in customer alignment surveys, consumer solution marketing and strategic relationship planning.
Nick’s experience in retail strategic planning and technology application as National Buying Services Manager saw him manage projects such as the strategic merchandise system, data warehousing, space management, private label, competition and online-shopping.
Nick’s strong background at a strategic planning level brings first rate problem solving and innovative solution development across a broad range of functions.
