Food retailer Metro Group has unveiled plans for a major streamlining of its corporate structure, a move which will include merging management and administrative positions at its Metro AG holding company and Metro Cash & Carry division. As part of the restructuring, which aims to improve Metro’s efficiency and customer focus under its Shape initiative, the group will split its global cash and carry network into two units – one for Europe, Middle East and North Africa, one for Asia and new markets. As part of the changes, Metro Cash & Carry’s two new business units will be headed up by Joël Saveuse (Europe/MENA) and Frans Muller (Asia/New Markets) respectively. Both are members of the Metro AG management board.
One of the founder members of Colorsfruit, one of the most successful South African export companies since deregulation, has left the company in what is seen as a major reshuffle of interests for the firm. Riaan Van Wyk, who started Colorsfruit along with the Karstens and Chennels families, had heart surgery towards the end of last year and only returned to work in January. He has since decided to quit the company, with Jan De Klerk stepping in to act as chief executive until a permanent replacement is appointed.
Univeg, has announced the appointment of Theo de Kool as its chief financial officer, as of 15 March 2010. As CFO based at the group’s headquarters in Belgium, Mr De Kool will be responsible for a range of financial, legal and ICT functions at the Univeg group of companies.
Carrefour has appointed Vincente Trius as executive director for Europe and a member of the group’s executive board, in charge of Carrefour’s operations in Belgium, Spain, Italy, Poland, Greece, Cyprus and Romania. Mr Trius joins the group from US retail giant Wal-Mart, where he has spent most of his professional career.
Dutch import-export specialist Timerfruit has announced that Ruud van der Ploeg has joined its commercial team, based at the company’s offices in the Port of Rotterdam.
US citrus cooperative Sunkist has re-elected Nicholas Bozick as chairman of its board of directors. Mr Bozick, who has served four previous terms, is president of Richard Bagdasarian, a family-run firm supplying citrus, grapes and vegetables from California’s Coachella Valley.
Heike Hagenguth is set to leave Egyptian group Pico Modern Agriculture, where she has worked as marketing communications manager. Her role will be taken on, in part, by Amina Diab, daughter of managing director Alaa Diab. Ms Hagenguth will join risk management and insurance broking firm Comergon, as country manager for Egypt.
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