Hi, I’m Shithij Lakchan. I’m a results-driven professional with 8+ years of experience in Route to Market management, retail operations, and category leadership across FMCG, retail, and banking. I have a track record of growing market share, elevating brand visibility, and driving profitability through data-driven decision making, smart distribution strategies, and strong supplier negotiations. Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, I bring a solid foundation in Strategic Marketing and Computation & Management, with an MSc and a portfolio of cross-functional achievements. I thrive in collaborative environments, lead high-performing teams, and continuously optimize processes from procurement to in-store execution.

Shithij Lakchan

Hi, I’m Shithij Lakchan. I’m a results-driven professional with 8+ years of experience in Route to Market management, retail operations, and category leadership across FMCG, retail, and banking. I have a track record of growing market share, elevating brand visibility, and driving profitability through data-driven decision making, smart distribution strategies, and strong supplier negotiations. Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, I bring a solid foundation in Strategic Marketing and Computation & Management, with an MSc and a portfolio of cross-functional achievements. I thrive in collaborative environments, lead high-performing teams, and continuously optimize processes from procurement to in-store execution.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Shithij Lakchan. I’m a results-driven professional with 8+ years of experience in Route to Market management, retail operations, and category leadership across FMCG, retail, and banking. I have a track record of growing market share, elevating brand visibility, and driving profitability through data-driven decision making, smart distribution strategies, and strong supplier negotiations.

Based in Queenstown, New Zealand, I bring a solid foundation in Strategic Marketing and Computation & Management, with an MSc and a portfolio of cross-functional achievements. I thrive in collaborative environments, lead high-performing teams, and continuously optimize processes from procurement to in-store execution.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Advanced

Work Experience

Supermarket Assistant at New World Queenstown
January 1, 2026 - Present
Delivered friendly and efficient customer service, assisted customers with product inquiries, complaints, and purchases. Maintained shelf merchandising per store standards and display guidelines, monitored inventory levels, replenished stock, checked expiry dates, and processed cash/card payments and returns following procedures.
Route to Market Manager at Coca Cola Beverages
June 1, 2025 - December 1, 2025
Designed and executed Route to Market strategies that expanded coverage and improved efficiency. Optimized sales operations, ensured 100% product availability across channels, delivered impactful FMCG and trade marketing programs to boost brand visibility, and managed P&L and ROI analysis to improve profitability. Spearheaded channel development initiatives to unlock new revenue streams.
Category Manager – Retail Operation at Lassana Group of Companies
June 1, 2024 - May 1, 2025
Led category strategy and assortment planning for retail category produce, negotiated with suppliers for competitive pricing and quality, analyzed category performance metrics to optimize sales, margins and inventory turnover, and collaborated cross-functionally with marketing and procurement to execute promotional campaigns.
Senior Retail Manager at Keells
February 1, 2018 - May 1, 2024
Managed operations across multiple high-performing retail locations, improved store efficiency and customer satisfaction through strategic team leadership and problem solving. Handled operational budgets, stock planning, shrinkage control, and achieved revenue targets; addressed and resolved customer complaints to maintain a positive experience.
Management Trainee at Keells
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Underwent structured training in retail management, data analytics, and inventory control. Assisted senior managers in analyzing store KPIs and developing improvement strategies. Gained hands-on experience in FMCG marketing campaigns and product launches, participated in cross-functional projects enhancing store efficiency and digital transformation.
Customer Service Officer at Hatton National Bank (HNB)
July 1, 2016 - December 1, 2016
Coordinated EDC and MOMO-related customer support for the central region. Resolved technical and operational issues, built and maintained a customer contact network, conducted follow-ups on reported service issues, and worked with back-office teams to streamline complaint handling and client support.
Loan Recovery Assistant at People’s Bank
July 1, 2012 - December 1, 2012
Supported the Loan Recovery Department in meeting year-end collection targets. Contacted clients with overdue loans, arranged payment plans, assisted in preparing documentation for legal proceedings on non-performing loans, and promoted responsible financial behavior.
Trainee Banking Teller at Bank of Ceylon
January 1, 2012 - June 1, 2012
Handled daily teller operations including deposits, withdrawals, and account management. Ensured transaction accuracy and cash handling, delivered high-quality customer service, maintained confidentiality and regulatory compliance, and assisted senior tellers with balancing daily accounts.

Education

MSc in Strategic Marketing at Asia e University
September 1, 2024 - October 1, 2025
BSc in Computation and Management at University of Peradeniya
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2017
Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate at Google Coursera
June 1, 2025 - February 22, 2026
Intermediate in Applied Banking & Finance (IABF) at Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Certificate in Computer Applications Assistance at Hardy College of Technology
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018

Qualifications

Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Professional Certificate
June 1, 2025 - February 22, 2026
Intermediate in Applied Banking & Finance (IABF)
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Certificate in Computer Applications Assistance
January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018

Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Professional Services