Former Coles executive Steven Cain will be Metcash CEO Supermarkets from August 1 and Mark Hewlett will take the role of Executive General Manager, New Channels, from August 12.
Mr Cain brings considerable food retail and business experience, both locally and internationally, from his roles with Coles, ASDA (UK), Pacific Equity Partners and ITV (UK).
Between 2003 and 2005, Mr Cain was group managing director with responsibility for Coles Supermarkets, Coles Central Convenience Stores and Express Petrol Stations, Coles Online, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars. During his time at Coles comparative sales and EBIT increased significantly. Mr Cain was also a key executive involved in the turnaround of ASDA in the UK. His roles over six years included group marketing director, store development director, grocery trading director and own-brand controller. His early career in the UK also included roles at Bain and Kingfisher.
Mr Cain, who has been providing advisory services to the Metcash Supermarkets business, said he is “delighted to be joining Metcash at an important time in the implementation of the Diamond Transformation Program”.
“I look forward to working with the supermarkets team, suppliers and independent retailers to provide a more compelling customer offer in what is an increasingly competitive environment,” he said.
Incoming Executive General Manager, New Channels, Mark Hewlett brings deep food retailing and format development capability to the Metcash team, having spent the past three years leading the convenience business development for Woolworths as well as being responsible for the day-to-day running of Thomas Dux.
Prior to joining Woolworths, he spent more than 12 years in the UK with German discounters Lidl and ALDI in senior retail, buying and format development roles. Mr Hewlett has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
“I am really looking forward to joining Metcash and supporting successful independents,” he said. “The business has great distribution capability on which to build new models.”
Commenting on the appointments, Metcash CEO Ian Morrice said: “Steven Cain and Mark Hewlett are very strong additions to our executive team and will considerably strengthen our retail knowledge and capability.”