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James Kearns
Managing Director at T.M.Lewin
Professional Background
James Kearns is a dynamic leader in digital trade and customer experience with over 15 years of experience in the retail sector, working with reputable brands such as Marks and Spencer, Tesco, and Boden. His expertise spans various roles that combine e-commerce analytics, merchandising, and digital trade, giving him a comprehensive understanding of how to enhance customer engagement in a quickly evolving marketplace.
James's last role was as the Head of Online Trade at Boden, a well-known lifestyle apparel brand that boasts an international presence. In this capacity, he oversaw the online trading strategies and customer experience, ensuring that Boden maintained its commitment to quality and service. Before joining Boden, James made significant contributions to Tesco, where he held the position of Head of Online Trade. There, he led a team of 35 professionals, focused on managing the front-end customer experience for the largest online store in the company. His strategic insight and data-driven approach were pivotal in navigating the complexities of online retail, especially during periods of rapid growth and market changes.
Previously, at Marks and Spencer, James climbed the ranks from an Allocator to an Assistant Merchandiser, and eventually to positions such as Demand Forecasting Analyst and Online Trading Manager in the Womenswear category. His diverse experience in these roles allowed him to develop a keen understanding of inventory management, customer preferences, and market trends, all of which contribute to his overall effectiveness as a leader in online trading.
Education and Achievements
James holds a Bachelor's degree in History from Queen Mary University of London, where he graduated with a 2:1. His academic background provided him with a strong analytical foundation, which he later sought to enhance by pursuing a Master's in Data Science at City, University of London. Currently taking a year out to complete this Master's program, James is committed to advancing his understanding of data mining techniques and their application in business leadership. This decision reflects his forward-thinking attitude in harnessing data's transformative power across industries. With the increasing significance of data in driving business decisions, James’s dedication to this field positions him as a leader who is ready to tackle future challenges in the digital landscape.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional endeavors, James is an enthusiast for sports, culinary experiences, and self-development through podcasts and reading. An accomplished marathon runner, he has successfully completed the London Marathon twice and is motivated to participate for a third time, hoping to achieve a personal best. His love for travel also speaks to his adventurous spirit and desire to explore new cultures and experiences, bringing a global perspective to his professional life.
In addition to his roles at Boden and Tesco, James has held various positions that highlight his versatility and commitment to driving customer growth. As the former Managing Director at T.M. Lewin, he was instrumental in forging strategies that aligned with customer experiences while promoting analytics and data-driven decision-making. His experiences across top brands enable him to contribute unique insights into the challenges and opportunities in the retail and e-commerce landscapes.
Achievements
- Over 15 years of experience in digital trade and customer experience across leading retail brands.
- Extensive experience in managing online trading teams and front-end customer experiences.
- Successfully led a team of 35 professionals at Tesco, enhancing the online shopping experience for the company’s largest store.
- Progressed through various roles at Marks and Spencer, contributing to women’s retail and online strategy.
- Pursuing a Master's in Data Science to further enhance his ability to leverage data in business leadership.
- Completed the London Marathon twice, showcasing commitment and discipline in both personal and professional undertakings.
