Homegrown FMCG major Dabur India’s wholly-owned speciality retail subsidiary, H&B Stores, is stepping up its hiring as it plans to open stores by mid-January.
“H&B Stores is moving full steam ahead with plans to open its doors to customers by mid-January 2008. Already two expatriates at senior management positions have been appointed, besides hiring a host of Indian managers to spearhead various verticals,” a company official said.
Recently, the company roped in Graeme Fraser to head its sourcing, buying and merchandising. He joined from Li & Fung Trading Limited, Hong Kong, where he held the position of vice president and was responsible for transferring the business from Hong Kong to Mainland China. A flagship fashion store was subsequently launched in Mainland China.
H&B Stores, which plans to invest Rs 140 crore by 2010 and set up 350 retail stores across India in five years, had earlier this year hired Peter Baker, who was group head of retail for the Lee Cooper Group, as chief executive officer. It also recruited ex- Wal-Mart India deputy GM (health, beauty aids and cosmetics), Radhika Gupta, as its head of buying (beauty).
The company plans to expand its retail outlets to over 1,000 by the 10th year of operation, and is looking at establishing stores ranging from 1,500 square feet to 6,000 square feet in size.
– Bengaluru Bureau
