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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FROM PAGE 23 Where do you see the grocery industry and recovery over the next year? The future holds a united independent industry that’s ready for challenges and changes, and with the scale we have, we’re well equipped to meet these as they arise. You’ll see continued differentiation between independents and the chains, as our distinctive retail offering really comes into its own with a substantial investment from our retailers and Metcash as they refit their retail space and bring innovation to life. As we continue to invest in the state, so too does our strategic partner, Metcash, which has shown its confidence in the future of our state with strong investment in our brand and network. The new state-of-the-art, fit-for-purpose Gepps Cross \[Adelaide\] distribution centre is the biggest structural investment ever made by Metcash in this state and shows a strong commitment to supporting the long-term sustainability of the network. With the addition of significant government investment into roads and renewable energy, the future of our brand and our state is bright. As one of the biggest players in the SACOME \[South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy\] renewable energy contract, we’ve shown that when there’s an opportunity to support environment, we’ll do it, and this is something that you’ll see more of from Foodland in the near future. What personal philosophies drive you in business? My philosophy centres around commitment to the South Australian community and meeting the expectations of our customers. Meeting the community’s expectations of our brand in terms of how we operate in the community and meeting our commitments to social responsibility and inclusion are paramount. This entails both sourcing local product and supporting our local industry, but also meeting our responsibilities to the communities that we operate in. Successful retail is not only about giving the customer what they want, but exceeding their expectations, whether it be on superior range of products and service, or supporting the local community that we operate in. What sets Foodland apart, and the things that make me so passionate about our industry, is our ability to be agile enough to meet changing customer needs in a changing environment. What excites you about your appointment as CEO? I’m very privileged to be at the helm of such an iconic South Australian brand. I’m excited about: • Leading the business under a growth strategy to make Foodland bigger and better tomorrow than it is today. • Growing our brand equity in the market and building on our distinctive attachment and synergy that we have in our community. • Increasing our support for the state and the community that supports us. • Continuing to evolve the brand to meet the community’s changing expectations as a power brand in our market. We’re a business that will always support manufacturer brands. Private label may be a necessity but will never be a priority. Proprietary brands are what provide category innovation, and Foodland will always respect our shoppers’ choice for fulfilment within their decision-making process. We have the most passionate, sophisticated, innovative retailers, supported by the most trusted brand in South Australia, that is focused on continuing to meet the community’s expectations through local sourcing and our strong relationships with our strategic partners. And ensuring that from farm gate to plate we treat each other fairly. Any further comments? I’m really looking forward to getting closer to our customers, suppliers and strategic partners in my time here and bringing everyone in our family of families closer together. I feel privileged to be leading the largest independent network of supermarkets in the state, and one that has such as strong focus on supporting local, national and international brands to be successful in our state. 24 RETAIL WORLD AUG, 2020