Sebastian Karlsson

Sebastian Karlsson

Omnichannel Merchandising Manager - Marimekko
Helsinki, FI.

About

Dynamic and results-driven retail professional with extensive experience in retail category management and consulting, including both retail and FMCG clients. Specializing in developing product strategies, optimizing sales processes, and driving business growth, I am motivated by continuous improvement and innovative solutions. Proven ability to quickly adapt, acquire new skills, and take ownership in fast-paced environments, consistently contributing to business success and growth.

Work

MARIMEKKO
|

Omnichannel Merchandising Manager

Summary

Defining and executing relevant assortment strategy, making seasonal buys, and ensuring operational success to deliver consumer-centric assortments and experiences across e-commerce and physical retail channels.

Highlights

Contributed to the Finnish retail team achieving record sales in 2024, driving +6% growth and surpassing €100 million for the first time in company history.

Led assortment planning and conceptualization as Project Manager for the most successful annual friendship sale in Marimekko's history.

Supported e-commerce and store operations development, including BI tool enhancements and overall operational improvements.

ACCENTURE
|

Management Consultant Analyst

Summary

Consulted global retail and FMCG clients, focusing on optimizing merchandise promotion and providing data-driven analytical viewpoints.

Highlights

Enhanced client decision-making on merchandise promotion strategies by analyzing where, what, and how to promote.

Delivered actionable analytical insights utilizing syndicated industry data, internal company data, visualizations, and advanced analytic applications.

ZALANDO
|

Assistant Merchandise Planner

Summary

Managed merchandise planning within the Women's Streetwear Textile team.

Highlights

Managed merchandise for 10 brands independently and in collaboration with buying colleagues.

Defined product assortments, supported seasonal buying initiatives, and managed intake, reordering, and pricing strategies.

Utilized advanced planning and forecasting tools to proactively identify and mitigate market risks and capitalize on opportunities.

HENNES & MAURITZ FINLAND
|

Merchandise Specialist

Summary

Responsible for driving profitable net growth through commercial planning, pricing, reduction strategies, allocation, and stock optimization.

Highlights

Developed and executed reduction/sale strategies that generated approximately 5% in discount savings, outperforming other regions.

Managed annual sales exceeding €10 million, contributing to the Sales Market's first profitable year in five years.

Education

Aalto University School of Business

M.Sc.

Information System Sciences and Business Analytics

Grade: 4.6

Courses

Information System Sciences

Business Analytics

Aalto University School of Business

BSCBA

International Business

Courses

International Business

Languages

Finnish

Native

German

Native

English

Fluent

Swedish

Conversational

Russian

Basic

Certificates

Digital Marketing Specialist

Issued By

LinkedIn

Google Analytics for Beginners

Issued By

Google

Skills

Project Management

Project Management.

Business Development

Business Development.

Category Management

Category Management.

Business Analytics

Business Analytics.

SQL

SQL.

Assortment Optimization

Assortment Optimization.

Commercial Strategy

Commercial Strategy.

Excel

Excel, Spreadsheet Analysis.

BI Tools

Business Intelligence Tools, Data Visualization.

PowerBI

PowerBI, Data Reporting.

Python

Python, Scripting.

Interests

Travelling

Travel, Exploration.

Cooking

Culinary Arts, Gastronomy.

Podcasts

Audio Content, Learning.

Bouldering

Climbing, Fitness.

Tennis

Sports, Racquet Sports.

Golf

Sports, Outdoor Activities.

Football

Sports, Team Sports.

Balanced & Healthy Lifestyle

Wellness, Health.

Retail and eCommerce

Retail Industry, E-commerce Trends, Market Analysis.

References

References

Contact details of reference persons available upon request.