
Lindsey Rayner appointed Managing Director of marketing agency Levergy
She brings extensive experience as a senior agency executive and has a particular interest in sports sponsorship and passion-led marketing
RETAIL INDUSTRY
By our News Team | 2023
Pieter Boone steps down after a short tenure and is being replaced by Sean Summers, who was CEO until 2007.
One of South Africa’s retail industry giants, Pick n Pay, has announced a surprise change of top management, with Pieter Boone, the CEO for just two-and-a-half years, leaving and being replaced by Sean Summers. The latter was previously CEO between 1999 to 2007.
His appointment is an effort to revive the fortunes of the struggling supermarket and retail group, which recorded a significant loss in its half-year results.
Pieter Boone. Photo credit: Pick n Pay
Among its challenges are cash-strapped South African consumers who are less willing to spend, high food inflation, increased competition, and having to fund its own alternative power back-up due to a national electricity crisis in the country.
In a statement released by Pick n Pay on Monday (2 October), Gareth Ackerman, Chairman of the board, expressed his gratitude to Boone for his contributions, saying, “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.
Board decided on change of leadership
“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.”
The impact of the announcement was swift, and the company’s shares plummeted by nearly 11% during morning trade, marking a 44% loss in value over the past year.
“We are 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,” Ackerman added.
Moneyweb, the financial news website, reports: “In a trading update, Pick n Pay noted that the strong performance by Boxer, Pick n Pay Clothing and Liquor stores, together with the online sales divisions, failed to offset the poor performance recorded by core Pick n Pay stores and spiralling costs.”
According to the Pick n Pay group website, it operates just over 2,000 stores and has around 90,000 employees. Apart from South Africa, it has a presence in several African countries. Among them are Botswana. Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.
She brings extensive experience as a senior agency executive and has a particular interest in sports sponsorship and passion-led marketing
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Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.
Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.
Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.