Leicester retail consultancy expands into Europe
Leicester-based firm Outform, which provides consultancy services to retailers, has expanded into Europe with a new office in Amsterdam.
Ton Kooijman takes on the role of managing director at Outform BV, with a remit to drive European growth and give clients across Benelux and DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) access to Outform’s global network.
The Amsterdam office will comprise a team with expertise in strategic leadership and project management, and full access to the creative, design, technology and manufacturing functions across the global Outform network.
Kooijman brings with him experience from both a brand owner and retailer perspective. He held CEO and managing director positions during a twelve-year stint at in-store retail manufacturer Alrec; prior to this, his CV includes the likes of ceramic manufacturer Villeroy & Boch and Monarch Nederland, a reseller of high-tech heating solutions.
His appointment is complemented by the promotion of Outform EMEA’s operations director Keith Fleet, who now moves to a new global role as VP, global operations.
Simon Hathaway, group managing director EMEA at Outform, said; “We’ve built a global infrastructure at Outform that enables us to scale quickly through our micro-enterprise model. We can bring the best strategic and creative talent in the world to the challenges our clients face in retail today, supported by our technology hubs in Tel-Aviv and Shenzhen, not to mention the cost benefits of a global manufacturing ecosystem, which includes both our own facilities and an extensive supply chain of partners. Our new Dutch office enables us to bring all those capabilities seamlessly to our European clients.
“Whatever challenges Brexit may bring going forward, having a steady and experienced hand like Ton on board in Amsterdam gives Outform an edge in our ongoing expansion plans in Europe.”
Kooijman added: “Outform is challenging traditional approaches to retail and introducing innovation that truly transforms the in-store experience. Outform’s ‘dare to innovate’ proposition is just what retail needs right now – it is the future of retail, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Ariel Haroush, global CEO at Outform, said: “With so many of the world’s most innovative companies having hubs in Amsterdam, opening an office there was the obvious next step to service our growing client base. And in Ton, we’ve found someone who shares our spirit of ‘dare to innovate’.”
