The Metcash Group is set for a leadership change in early 2022, with current CEO Jeff Adams retiring from the role. He will be succeeded by Doug Jones, who is currently CEO and Senior Vice President of South African-based Massmart Wholesale.
Metcash says the appointment follows completion of a well-managed process, including a thorough global search instigated by the board after Mr Adams had earlier indicated a likely intention to retire.
Mr Jones will join Metcash on 1 February 2022 and will work closely with Mr Adams on a smooth transition into the role.
Bringing a wealth of experience
A highly experienced executive with extensive wholesale, retail and eCommerce experience, Mr Jones has spent the past 14 years with Massmart group, which is majority-owned by Walmart Inc. It has leading market positions in wholesale food, liquor, home improvement and general merchandise.
Mr Jones currently heads Massmart Wholesale, which includes ‘big box’ format food, liquor, and general merchandise stores serving retail, commercial and wholesale customers; cash and carry stores; buying groups that service wholesale and independent retail customers; and a number of eCommerce platforms.
He was formerly CEO of Massmart’s Makro SA, a multi-category big box format that sells and distributes food, liquor and general merchandise to a broad range of wholesale, retail and commercial customers. Makro SA also operates one of the largest eCommerce platforms in South Africa.
A qualified Chartered Accountant, Mr Jones has previously held senior finance positions in Makro SA, Amalgamated Beverages Industries Limited and The South African Breweries (all in Johannesburg), CocaCola Enterprises in Canada, and Deloitte in both Canada and South Africa.
“Doug’s extensive and distinguished international experience across wholesale, retail and eCommerce markets made him the standout candidate to succeed Jeff,” Metcash Chairman Rob Murray said.
“He is passionate about the success of independent retailers and we are looking forward to him joining us and taking the company forward.”
Jeff Adams’ legacy
Mr Adams joined Metcash in September 2017 and under his leadership the company has seen significant transformation and growth. He was responsible for the successful MFuture program designed to provide a pathway to sustainable growth, including significantly improving the competitiveness of its retail networks.
This positioned independent retailers well for the shift in shopper behaviour through Covid, says Metcash, and was a key driver of record company sales in FY21. He also oversaw a number of acquisitions that strengthened Metcash’s business portfolio, as well as improvements in the company’s ESG credentials, retailer relationships and people engagement score.
Metcash says Mr Adams has led Metcash “courageously and calmly through the many challenges associated with Covid”.
“The demands on Jeff through Covid have been considerable and were a factor in his decision to retire as Group CEO,” Mr Murray said.
“His endurance and resilience during this period, which included not being able to see his US-based family, have been amazing. The Board and our stakeholders greatly appreciate Jeff’s dedication and efforts, and we wish him all the best for his return to the US and his family. He is leaving Metcash in a very strong position.”