Amit Shah
Edgware,Middlesex
Summary
Experienced commercial finance leader with expertise in pricing strategy and margin optimization. Proven ability to enhance business growth through data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. Strong skills in team leadership and stakeholder engagement, driving profitability and operational efficiency.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head of Commercial Analytics / Head of Commercial Insight
Currys Plc
2017.09 - 2026.05
- Spearheaded the integration of customer and market insights into quarterly trade planning meetings, shaping the trading strategy.
- Directed the pricing team, influencing strategic direction of pricing and promotional strategies.
- Championed best practices for Test & Learn across the business, guiding stakeholders on trial scoping.
- Regularly presented market share and sales performance at weekly trading meetings, identifying opportunities for growth.
- Managed the relationship with GFK, market research partner, ensuring effective collaboration.
- Collaborated with commercial teams to identify and capitalize on category opportunities to drive market share.
- Developed commercial propositions to expand range into adjacent categories.
- Created sales scenarios based on macro-economic factors to guide the business on risks and opportunities.
- Key Achievements:
- Led a project to enhance distribution forecast accuracy using time series modelling and machine learning, resulting in cost optimization and a stable delivery offer for customers.
- Improved promotional performance, delivering £5m in incremental margin over Peak through strategic interventions.
- Introduced a new affiliates channel, driving customer acquisition and unlocking £2m in incremental margin.
Head of Finance
Currys Commercial Trading
2013.01 - 2017.08
- Partnered with Commercial, Marketing, and Finance teams to drive operational reporting improvements.
- Led a team of Finance Business Partners, supporting the Commercial Finance Director and teams.
- Presented financial performance to the UK Exec at trading meetings, providing strategic recommendations.
- Managed the Commercial 3YP and strategic modelling, collaborating across departments.
- Analysed sales trends to inform short and medium-term trading decisions.
- Supported the Capex process for commercial initiatives, ensuring financial benefits were captured.
- Established tracking mechanisms for new initiative trials.
- Oversaw budgeting and forecasting for Dixons Commercials, ensuring robust financial planning.
- Key Achievements:
- Played a pivotal role in modelling the impact of the 3in1 portfolio program, optimizing sales impact at the category level.
Finance Manager – Retail, IS & Central Costs
Comet Group Plc
2011.07 - 2012.12
- Served as Lead Finance Business Partner for Retail Operations.
- Participated in weekly trading meetings with senior leadership to discuss current trading.
- Analysed and reported financial performance statistics to operational management.
- Managed budgeting and forecasting for retail payroll, modelling risks and opportunities.
- Analysed the Store Refit Program to measure sales and margin impact.
- Reviewed detailed P&Ls, identifying performance issues and opportunities.
- Managed a team of 4 Qualified Finance Business Partners, supporting various functions.
- Key Achievements:
- Identified £9m in annualized payroll savings through changes to store deployment.
- Implemented store cost initiatives, delivering £1.5m in overhead savings.
- Introduced a new bonus scheme for store staff, driving cash margin performance.
Finance Manager – New Business Initiatives
Comet Group Plc
2010.10 - 2011.07
- Modelled key new business initiatives, evaluating scenarios, resources, and risks.
- Assisted in contract reviews and negotiations with commercial and legal teams.
- Collaborated with business owners, partners, and suppliers.
- Key Achievements:
- Led the financial delivery of the Home Access Programme, achieving £65m turnover and £15m incremental profit.
Senior Commercial Finance Business Partner
Comet Group Plc
2008.11 - 2010.09
- Appraised new merchandising initiatives and formulated business cases.
- Modelled proposed promotions, considering full business economics.
- Conducted post-implementation reviews of major investments and promotions.
- Analysed competitor pricing and benchmarking.
- Supported supplier negotiations through profitability analysis.
- Presented monthly management accounts for the Grey Goods division.
- Modelled the trial and rollout of laptop/imaging play tables, increasing turnover by 35%.
Retail Finance Analyst
Comet Group Plc
2006.12 - 2008.10
- Produced operational budgets down to store level, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Reported on sales, KPIs, and cost performance in monthly executive summaries.
- Presented financial updates at regional and area meetings.
- Modelled key promotional and competitor activities for the Operations Board.
Sale & Marketing Analyst
Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
2005.07 - 2006.11
Financial Planning Analyst
Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
2003.08 - 2005.07
Education
Chartered Institute of Management Accounting - CIMA - ACMA
BA (HONS) - Accounting & Finance with Taxation
London Guildhall University
1996.09 - 1999.06
3 A Levels - undefined
Harrow Weald College
1994.09 - 1996.06
9 GCSE's - undefined
Park High School
1990.09 - 1994.06
Skills
- Commercial finance leadership
- Pricing and promotions strategy
- P&L and margin optimization
- Strategic planning and forecasting
- Retail and e-commerce management
- Data analytics
- Scenario modelling
- Executive stakeholder management
- Team leadership
Timeline
Head of Commercial Analytics / Head of Commercial Insight
Currys Plc
2017.09 - 2026.05
Head of Finance
Currys Commercial Trading
2013.01 - 2017.08
Finance Manager – Retail, IS & Central Costs
Comet Group Plc
2011.07 - 2012.12
Finance Manager – New Business Initiatives
Comet Group Plc
2010.10 - 2011.07
Senior Commercial Finance Business Partner
Comet Group Plc
2008.11 - 2010.09
Retail Finance Analyst
Comet Group Plc
2006.12 - 2008.10
Sale & Marketing Analyst
Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
2005.07 - 2006.11
Financial Planning Analyst
Pizza Hut (UK) Ltd
2003.08 - 2005.07
BA (HONS) - Accounting & Finance with Taxation
London Guildhall University
1996.09 - 1999.06
3 A Levels - undefined
Harrow Weald College
1994.09 - 1996.06
9 GCSE's - undefined
Park High School
1990.09 - 1994.06