Alishia Seckam sits down with Pick n Pay Group CEO Sean Summers, who shares insights into the retailer’s dramatic turnaround under his leadership.

Summers' connection to Pick n Pay spans decades. He began his career at Shell BP Service Company in 1973, but it was in 1974 that he joined Pick n Pay as a training manager—just 20 years old at the time. From there, he climbed the ranks, eventually becoming Managing Director in 1996 and later taking over as CEO in 1999 when founder Raymond Ackerman retired.

Ackerman had high praise for his successor, describing Summers as “an exceptional leader” who left a lasting impact on the business.

A track record of market leadership

During his tenure as CEO until 2007, Summers helped establish Pick n Pay as the dominant player in South Africa’s grocery sector, even outperforming its chief rival, Shoprite—then under the command of retail heavyweight Whitey Basson.

Under Summers’ guidance, Pick n Pay achieved average annual revenue growth of 16%, outpacing Shoprite’s 11% during the same timeframe. The company’s share price soared by 476% between 1999 and 2007, delivering shareholders a compound annual return of 24%.

One of his most acclaimed moves came in 2002, when he led the acquisition of Boxer—a decision widely credited with strengthening the group’s market positioning and long-term prospects.

A call back to lead again

After leaving the company in 2007 to pursue opportunities abroad in global retail, Summers returned to Pick n Pay in September 2023 at the request of chairman Gareth Ackerman.

“Sean’s experience and deep understanding of the business made him the obvious choice,” Ackerman said at the time. “He brings a clear vision and the determination to regain customer trust and reposition Pick n Pay for growth.”

Summers returned to a business in decline, but his reappointment sparked fresh energy. Known for his bold leadership style, he cautioned investors to “strap in and hold on” as he set about implementing a sweeping turnaround strategy.

Early signs of recovery are already visible in Pick n Pay’s 2025 financial results, indicating that the retailer is gradually rebuilding toward profitability. While the road ahead remains challenging, momentum appears to be on Summers’ side.

Partnering with the Springboks

A major strategic move in March 2025 saw Pick n Pay become the official grocery retail sponsor of the South African national rugby team, the Springboks.

Summers described the partnership as a reflection of the company’s values and its deep roots in South African society.

“As a brand woven into the fabric of local communities, it’s an honour for Pick n Pay to stand alongside the Boks—both on the field and in the hearts of South Africans,” he said.

The sponsorship aims to strengthen internal morale and enhance the company’s image as a committed corporate citizen during its transformation.

In his conversation with Seckam, Summers reflects on how the retail landscape has evolved between his exit in 2007 and his return in 2023. He outlines the progress Pick n Pay has made under his renewed leadership and offers candid thoughts on the challenges that still lie ahead.

He also shares the backstory of his discovery of Boxer, explaining what made the business stand out and why it became such a pivotal part of Pick n Pay’s success.

Looking forward, Summers articulates his long-term vision for the retail sector in South Africa—and how Pick n Pay’s strategy aligns with the changing needs of consumers and communities.

The interview concludes with Summers discussing the strategic thinking behind the Springbok sponsorship and what it symbolizes for the company’s future.

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