Nikki Harland - Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Professional Overview

Nikki Harland is an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and business transformation. With over 15 years of industry experience, she is a strategic leader focused on optimizing processes, enhancing customer experiences, and cultivating high-performing teams.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the COO of Paradies Lagardère, Nikki is responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations, implementing innovative strategies, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional service across their global retail and restaurant portfolio. Under her leadership, the organization has streamlined workflows, improved operational efficiency, and delivered sustainable growth.

Career Progression

Prior to her COO role, Nikki served as the President of Retail at Paradies Lagardère, where she spearheaded the integration of new acquisition targets and led the expansion of the company's retail footprint. She also held various HR leadership positions at Paradies Lagardère, including Senior Vice President of Human Resources, where she played a crucial role in talent management, organizational development, and employee engagement initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Nikki was the Senior Director of Stores Human Resources at Gap Inc.'s Old Navy division, where she optimized staffing models and implemented performance management systems to drive operational excellence. She also served as a Visiting Professor at the School of Business Management at DeVry University, sharing her expertise in human resources and organizational behavior.

Academic Background

Nikki holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Georgia, where she specialized in Strategic Management and Human Resources. She is also a member of the Board of Directors at the HR Certification Institute, demonstrating her commitment to professional development and industry thought leadership.

Areas of Expertise

Operational Optimization: Proven ability to streamline processes, improve workflow efficiency, and enhance organizational performance.

Strategic Leadership: Adept at developing and executing strategic plans that drive sustainable growth, profitability, and competitive advantage.

Talent Management: Skilled in building high-performing teams, fostering employee engagement, and implementing talent development programs.

Customer Experience: Expertise in aligning operational strategies with customer-centric initiatives to deliver exceptional service and drive brand loyalty.

Organizational Transformation: Experience in leading complex change management initiatives and integrating new business units to drive synergies and operational excellence.

Professional Impact

As a respected industry leader, Nikki has been instrumental in several key initiatives at Paradies Lagardère, including the successful integration of newly acquired retail and restaurant concepts, the implementation of data-driven decision-making processes, and the development of a customer-centric culture that has led to improved guest satisfaction and increased revenue.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and operational expertise, Nikki Harland is poised to continue driving transformative change and operational excellence as the Chief Operating Officer of Paradies Lagardère. Her commitment to innovation, talent development, and customer-centricity make her a valuable asset in the industry.