Ian F. Wade,
BBS, Commendatore
FOUNDING DIRECTOR, waterhouse wade
With more than 50 years of corporate management experience, the Hong Kong-based British business man made his name in China by providing successful leadership at A.S. Watson Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, from 1982 to 2006.
As group managing director, he expanded Watson's retail business from 16 stores to 7,700, serving approximately 25 million customers a week across more than 37 countries. The company now employs more than 100,000 people and has more than 35 brands and operators over 15,000 stores.
Now working as a consultant Ian provides practical insights, business acumen and vision to clients, which is based on his knowledge of business and retail over his working career.
Ian and Terry Waterhouse had known each for over 20 years and have worked on many projects and business opportunities together.
Ian provides consultancy to the following companies:
Shenzhen Government (Senior Advisor) June 2016 – To date
Senior advisor to Shenzhen Government across all their leisure activities.
Radica (Non-Executive Director) August 2016 – To date
Non-executive director of Radica, Technical Advisory to Hong Kong Government at ShaTin Science Park.
Henderson Land China (Non-Executive Director) July 2014 – March 2016
A brief to diversify into other categories other than property, and examine how China assets can be better utilised.
Healthy Life Group (Non-Executive Chairman) 2013 to 2015
A retail chain of 78 stores to rescue a huge loss situation. year recorded in the board minutes.
Sainsbury’s (Executive Advisor) 2011 – July 2014
Advising the board on European and Asian strategies.
Loyalty Alliance (Executive Advisor) 2011 – April 2014
The promotional arm of two of three telecom companies in China, being floated in N.Y.
Zenix Wheels Company (Non Executive Director) 2011 – February 2014
China’s largest wheel company quoted in N.Y.
Eu Yan Sang (Executive Consultant) - Senior consultant to Eu Yang San Singapore to examine their various business in Asia.
Nepstar (C.E.O.) 2009 – 2011
The largest pharmacy chain in China, having 2,300 stores. My brief was to review strategy, evaluate the management team and underpin market leadership through improved profitability.
A.S.Watson Group (Group Managing Director) 1982 – 2006
Hong Kong based retail group and manufacturing division of Fortune 200 Hutchison Whampoa Limited. Owns retail companies in 37 countries, over 105,000 employees, 19 retail brands and 18 beverage brands. Until the end of 2006, I was responsible for the fastest growing international business in the world, a visionary strategic leader with unique experience of retail development, acquisition, organic growth, profitable divestment, brand re-invention, development and developing markets. An in depth knowledge of running for profit and growth of a diverse portfolio of businesses, including a supermarket / hypermarket chain, the largest health and beauty store chain in the world, a unique luxury perfume and cosmetic chain spanning 15 countries, multi-format airport retailing, beverage manufacturing business, a wine chain and Hong Kong’s most prestigious electrical brand.
An entrepreneur who has contributed almost half of the turnover of one of the world’s largest conglomerate, by growing their business from16 to 7,700stores. Launched ground breaking hypermarkets in China up to 20,000 sqm.
Being a Senior Executive of a Chinese, worldwide multi-category Group, frequently involved in property development across many Asian countries, particularly in China. My Finance Director was also responsible for the Group’s hotel division and was accountable for its P and L.
Reporting to Hutchison and Cheung Kong, lead the business from being 16 stores losing HK$ 40 million to a highly profitable chain. Expanding the business from Asian player to a more balanced Asia / European retailer with a mix of developing markets and cash generating established operations. Built a fantastic international team who developed unique skills of market entry and development.
Fortress 豐澤
In the 1990’s acquired the electrical retail chain Fortress and built it into one of the most trusted brands in Hong Kong.
Reinvented and modernised the Fortress brand using customer segmentation and store format tailoring.
Established an international buying team that created more than Euros 14 million in its 1year, which was extra income from existing business.
ASDA Stores UK 1972 – 1982
From General Store manager to Board Director, covering all job categories.
F.W.Woolworth Co., UK 1959 – 1972
From trainee to store manager, my greatest period of learning.
Other Achievements since 2007
Board member of the Hong Kong Government Services.
President of the Hong Kong Tennis Association.
Honorary President and Sponsor of the Hong Kong Ladies Tennis and attracted
top seeds every year for 12 years.
Chairman of Salusmed Asia Limited from Switzerland (health, wellness & fitness
based in Hong Kong).
Development Director of City Pacific (Australian listed co. in the leisure industry).
Director of Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation.
Sponsor of Macau Grand Prix – Watsons Water for 22 years.
Honorary President of Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association.
Board Member of the Hong Kong community Chest.
Advisory Board Member of the Hong Kong Red Cross.
BBS, Hong Kong Bronze Bauhinia Medal for services to Hong Kong.
Commendatore – Italian Knighthood for services to Italy in Hong Kong and China