|
|
New management team
During the year we simplified our management structure from an Exco and three management boards, to a single Group Executive reporting to the CEO on all day to day Group operations. I am confident that these executives have the required level of experience and expertise to transform the business and I look forward to working with them in the future.
The team and their portfolios are:
Jonathan Ackerman – Customer
Suzanne Ackerman-Berman – Transformation
Bakar Jakoet – CFO
Kevin Korb – Merchandise
Dallas Langman – Group Enterprises
Isaac Motaung – HR
Neal Quirk – Operations |
|
 |
Chris Reed – Franchise
Bronwen Rohland – Marketing and Sustainability
Burger van der Merwe – IS and Supply Chain
General comments
We are keen to put the disappointments of 2011 behind us and to move forward with the strategic initiatives that we believe will build a sound platform for future growth. Improving short-term performance is our priority, and with our customers at the heart of our plans in 2012, our short-term focus will be on the following:
- driving our Smart Shopper loyalty programme to increase sales and ensure that our customers benefit from real cash savings and more focused engagement;
- focused and prioritised store expansion across all formats;
- specialist category buying to enhance the customer offering;
- improving operational efficiencies at Longmeadow, to create a sound blue print for the roll-out of distribution centres and demand planning activities in the future;
|
|
 |
- building on the success of the consolidation of the inland region, to further simplify the structure of our organisation to realise enhanced efficiencies; and
- to continue to drive sustainability with focus on reduction in energy usage and waste.
Please refer to the strategy update for more information.
The short-term outlook remains difficult but, with all our various strategic initiatives, we are working towards becoming one world-class retail team, with specialist buying, marketing, administration and distribution. We are confident that all the measures being put in place and unwavering management focus will enable us to drive medium and long-term growth.
Nick Badminton
Chief Executive Officer
|
