With their online retail channels thriving in the wake of a pandemic, Harris Technology (ASX: HT8) has secured Guy Polak for their Board of Directors with Polak having been instrumental in the rise of Catch that led to its acquisition by Wesfarmers in 2019. 

Boasting a retail industry career of more than 25 years across buying, wholesale, distribution and merchandising, Polak most recently held the position of Head of Buying at Catch Group, a role that he held since 2014, prior to which he was the Head of Product at Scoopon. 

Under Polak’s leadership, Catch established vertically-integrated infrastructure within the buying division that grew Catch.com.au as the premium destination for all branded products. The growth of Catch’s buying initiatives provided the online retailer with a unique competitive advantage that could not be replicated by competitors and ultimately led to Catch’s acquisition by Wesfarmers in 2019 for $230 million. 

In their biography ‘Catch of the Decade’, Catch.com.au Founders Gabby and Hezi Leibovich describe Polak as one of “Australia’s best e-commerce minds, having learned the trade at the University of Catch”. 

Taking up his role on the Harris Technology Board from 1 April, 2021, Polak will be integral to Harris’ goals to expand its product range beyond IT products, and internationally. In recent media interviews, CEO Garrison Huang has voiced intentions to target expansion in the gaming sector which saw major growth through the pandemic. This contributed to the Company’s 365% increase in revenue for $19.3m for the Half-Year ended 31 December 2020. 

“The Directors at Harris Technology are excited to have a retail executive of Guy’s success joining the Board given his strong track record in buying, wholesale and distribution,” said Huang. 

“Buying the right products can be attributable to more than 80% of sales across our eCommence channels. With consumers having so much choice, product selection is critical for acquiring new customers and repeat business opportunities so we look forward to Guy’s input across these areas.”

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