Pick n Pay has made an announcement that the current group CEO, Pieter Boone is stepping down and Sean Summers who was Pick n Pay’s CEO between 1999 and 2006, will be taking over from him.
Gareth Ackerman who is the chairman for the group, thanked Pieter for his dedication to Pick n Pay over the past two-and-a-half years. “Unfortunately, in a very difficult environment, the performance of our core Pick n Pay business has been very challenging over the past months and has not met expectations.” – he said.
The chairman went to add by saying: “Pieter accepts that the Board has decided on a change in leadership. He leaves us with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future.”
Summers’ goal after taking over as group CEO, is to turn around the performance of the group’s “Pick n Pay retail core engine while ensuring the continued success of the Group’s growth strategies”.
He will be prioritising an effective handover plan to the next generation of leadership in the company. Sean Summers was part of the Pick n Pay group between 1974 and 2007 where he became managing director in 1996 and CEO in 1999. He left the company in 2007.
The retail company said during his tenure, Pick n Pay was the clear grocery market leader in South Africa. “The late Raymond Ackerman described Sean as ‘an excellent leader who achieved remarkable things at Pick n Pay’,” the company added.
Gareth Ackerman said the company is delighted that Sean is coming back to Pick n Pay. His knowledge and experience is unrivalled. “He is passionate about getting Pick n Pay back on to the right trajectory and winning the trust and confidence of customers, new and old. He is absolutely the right person for the job at this time.” – he added.
Summers said he very excited to be coming home to Pick n Pay. “Retailing is my passion, and this company is in my blood. I have great excitement and energy for the task ahead.”
