Pick n Pay announced that Spencer Sonn will join the company on 1 February 2027 as CEO-designate, working closely with CEO Sean Summers.

Sonn is a highly experienced leader with deep operational retail experience, strong fresh food and grocery credentials, as well as impressive international experience. An integral part of Sean’s role was identifying a successor in good time before his contract expires in May 2028 and this gives ample time for Sonn to settle into executive leadership and work with Summers on the company’s turnaround.

Spencer is a seasoned and respected retail leader having had a 26-year career at Woolworths South Africa, with five years as Managing Director of the Food Division, which has been at the heart of their success and growth.

Spencer brings to Pick n Pay a wealth of retail knowledge as well as a proven track record of leadership in some challenging conditions in New Zealand. His experience abroad is particularly valuable given similarities to Pick n Pay’s operations in that it encompassed both Franchise and Corporate stores, and 22 000 employees.

Said Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers: “Throughout our engagements, Spencer has expressed enormous admiration for the values and founding principles that Pick n Pay was built on.  He considers it a privilege to be joining a brand, a business and a team that plays such a vital role in the lives of millions of South Africans.

“We are in the very fortunate position of being able to appoint a highly skilled executive of Spencer’s calibre. In his previous positions he demonstrated his outstanding talent as a leader and was the architect of much of his previous company’s food retailing success. He is an exceptionally worthy leader for Pick n Pay.”

Said Sonn: “This is an exciting challenge for me after working across every part of grocery retailing. I am looking forward to working closely with Sean. Pick n Pay is a strong and much-loved brand with enormous potential and motivated loyal people. I am looking forward to playing my part continuing the turnaround and being part of the family.”

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