Guest Speaker:  Blaine Callard, CEO, Harvey Norman Ireland

Blaine Callard has worked for Harvey Norman since 1995 and has over 23 years retail experience.  In February 2010 he commenced in the newly created role of Irish CEO, the Harvey Norman Ireland operation previously not having had a country manager.  Harvey Norman Ireland employs over 750 staff and operates from 16 stores.

Prior to that he has been a troubleshooter for Harvey Norman, having spent four years as the managing director for Harvey Norman Slovenia and restoring that operation from substantial losses to growth and profit.  In addition he turned around an ailing Harvey Norman Australian subsidiary spealising in furniture importing and retailing, and consulted with both the chairman and CEO in Australia.