ashkan darbani
@ashkandarbani
I lead multi-store retail operations, P&L performance, market entry, and network expansion across the Caucasus.
GeorgiaWhat I'm looking for
I've led commercial and operational performance for MAF Carrefour across Georgia and Armenia, including a 104-store Fresh Food category business with $65M annual turnover and an 18-store district generating more than $10M monthly. I rebuilt operating models, launched Central Production Units, turned seven loss-making stores to positive EBITDA, and reduced district operating costs by 20%.
Earlier at MafPars (HyperStar), I grew a $144M hypermarket business to $168M in one year, improved commercial margin by two percentage points, and led country-level divestment work in Armenia through a seamless transfer of operations. I'm focused on building scalable, commercially disciplined multi-store and multi-brand retail networks across the Caucasus.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Acting Category Director, Fresh Food
MAF Carrefour Georgia
Apr 2026 - Aug 2026 (4 months)
Acting mandate to stabilize the national Fresh Food division across all MAF Carrefour stores in Georgia, covering 104 stores and $65M annual category turnover. Rebuilt the division's operating model and set up two Central Production Units to scale production and lift gross margin.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
National Technical University of Ukraine, Kyiv Polytechnic Institute
Bachelor of Science, Automation and Computer-Integrated Technology
2000 - 2004
Bachelor of Science in Automation and Computer-Integrated Technology from the National Technical University of Ukraine, Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.
Taras Shevchenko National University
Diploma, Russian Language
1999 - 2000
Diploma in Russian Language from Taras Shevchenko National University, Kyiv.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Executive Education, Leadership and Organizational Change
Executive education program in Leading Organizations and Change.
Yale University
Executive Education, Decision-Making
Executive education program in Simplifying Complex Decision-Making.
University of California, Berkeley
Executive Education, Change Management
Executive education program in Accelerating Change Readiness and Agility.
Emeritus
Executive Education, Financial Analysis
Executive education program in Financial Statement Analysis: Measuring and Interpreting Business Performance.
Retail Leadership Institute
Executive Education, Retail Leadership
LEAD Program at the Retail Leadership Institute in Dubai.
Retail Executive Program
Executive Education, Retail Management
Retail Executive Program and Negotiation Skills in Dubai, UAE.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
GeorgiaAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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