John Bradshaw joins Spar supermarket group as Chief Marketing Officer

He brings 20 years of retail experience to the role, including over 10 years at supermarket chain Pick n Pay, and most recently at discount and value-based retail group Pepkor. Both companies are based in South Africa. 

Bradshaw’s mandate includes strengthening the customer value proposition while ensuring Spar retailers have all the insights and tools needed to continue to attract today’s shoppers. The group functions as a wholesaler and distributor that supports a network of independently owned retail stores. 

In a LinkedIn post following his appointment, Bradshaw says: “I am enormously excited to be joining Spar South Africa as Group Chief Marketing Officer.  Throughout my career I have seen the power of accountability in retail. I am intrigued at what might be done in partnership with 1,000 CEOs, each looking to define the future of retail in service of their customers.  

“This is the power of Spar. Owners who live in the communities they serve and work tirelessly to make sure their stores serve these communities. It is my privilege to get the chance to serve them as they serve their customers.” 

Strengthening the group’s leadership capability 

As it seeks to strengthen its leadership capability, Spar has also announced the appointment of Jerome Jacobs to the role of Managing Director: Grocery and Liquor. With more than 30 years of experience, Jacobs brings with him extensive expertise across the full Spar system – from distribution centre to store operations. He was previously MD of Spar North Rand, a key regional distribution centre. 

Jacob’s focus will be on driving greater efficiency and consistency across the supply chain, with a particular emphasis on improving distribution centre performance, sharpening pricing alignment and strengthening the link between distribution centre operations and in-store execution.