Dimitri van Thielen

About Dimitri van Thielen

I’ve always believed that great retail isn’t just about what we sell, it’s about how we make people feel when they walk through the door. That mindset has guided me through every role, from the sales floor to leading multi-unit operations worth over $190M across the U.S. and Europe.My story: I’m a Retail and Customer Experience Leader who loves turning everyday stores into high-performing, high-energy environments where both teams and customers thrive. Over the years at IKEA, I’ve learned that data, design, and leadership aren’t separate disciplines, they work best when they move together toward one purpose: creating experiences that drive growth. I lead with clarity, empathy, and accountability. Whether it’s getting the best out of seven managers, coaching new leaders, or reshaping how teams engage with customers, my focus stays on people, because that’s where real performance begins.What I bring to the table- Drove $14M in additional revenue and +7% total sales growth through smarter local market strategies- Boosted customer satisfaction and loyalty with a +8% rise in conversion and an 87% NPS by rethinking service rituals and storytelling- Streamlined operations for 10% higher efficiency and lower costs- Built internal pipelines that turned emerging talent into promoted leaders- Expanded B2B sales in Southern California by 13% through data-led, personalized engagement. The result:I help retail organizations grow, not just in numbers, but in culture and connection. My goal is to keep building brands where customer experience, profitability, and purpose align. If you’re looking for a retail leader who knows how to scale operations, develop people, and turn data into meaningful growth, I’d love to connect.

Experience

1. Deputy Sales Manager Furniture, B2b & Services

   IKEA

   Mar 2024 — Present · Burbank, CA, US

   Leading a team of 7 sales leaders and 50+ staff across a $190M retail operation. Focused on coaching, operational efficiency, and driving sales growth. Drove $14M in additional revenue and improved customer satisfaction by 4% Increased B2B sales by 18% with a new client engagement strategy Streamlined SOPs, improving efficiency by 11% and reducing costs

Education

• Sint-Lambertusscholen Westerlo

  ASO - Preparatory High School, Natural Sciences & Mathematics