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Julian Harrison
Experienced senior IT & business programme leader helping companies enable and deliver international transformations.
Professional Background
Julian Harrison is a highly accomplished IT leader specializing in the retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries. With extensive experience in executing large-scale programs from inception to completion, he is dedicated to ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery of enhanced business capabilities. Julian possesses a remarkable ability to develop individuals while continuously striving to exceed expectations.
His career has been marked by significant contributions to renowned multi-national blue-chip companies including ASOS, Carlsberg, Marks & Spencer, and Tesco. Julian has developed a strong understanding of the technological transformations impacting customer-facing operations, particularly in the wake of the shift to online retailing. He brings a wealth of knowledge regarding changing consumer expectations and the associated opportunities that arise from new technologies and business models.
Education and Achievements
Julian began his academic journey at the prestigious Imperial College London, where he earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Civil Engineering. This educational background laid the foundation for his analytical and problem-solving skills, which have been pivotal in his career. Julian's technical expertise is complemented by his rich experience in full life-cycle program management, vendor and supplier relationship management, and supply chain systems. His commitment to process analysis and improvement showcases his ability to drive efficiency and excellence in business operations.
Having honed his skills at leading consulting firms like EY and Accenture, Julian is adept at navigating the complexities of different business environments, contributing to his remarkable career trajectory. His tenure in senior leadership roles, such as Head of Technology at Lovehoney and Senior Director of GBS Supply Chain at Carlsberg Group, highlights his capability in managing substantial change initiatives and leveraging technology to improve business outcomes.
Key Achievements
Throughout his career, Julian has been instrumental in delivering complex change programs, successfully implementing numerous technological solutions including SAP and JDA systems. His strategic leadership in managing both large-scale and smaller transformation projects speaks volumes about his versatility and depth of knowledge.
Julian’s leadership style emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining strong, multi-functional teams that collaborate effectively across parties to ensure successful delivery of projects. His capacity to nurture team members enables them to reach their full potential while contributing to overall project success.
Moreover, Julian’s experience extends to contract development and negotiations, showcasing his keen insight into the commercial side of technology deployment. He has a proven track record of establishing and maintaining robust client and stakeholder relationships, fostering effective engagement to align project goals with business objectives. Julian is particularly praised for his strong analytical skills coupled with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain functionalities.
With a forward-thinking mindset, Julian is continually exploring new opportunities driven by evolving technologies and innovative operating models. His thorough grasp of international operations and sensitivity to cultural impacts enhance his ability to lead diverse teams and represent organizations on a global scale.
