Pick n Pay Lightly poached
Two strategic appointments at The Big Blue, one of which we hinted at obliquely a couple of weeks ago. Joining Pick n Pay from Shoprite, where he was merchandise director, is Gerhard Ackermann, just one consonant away from being part of the family. Mr Ackermann, joining the planning department, will be working with CEO, Richard Brasher and food merchandise director, Peter Arnold on beefing up the old price and promotional strategy, an area where Shoprite has probably held the edge for a while. Gustave Moller, who joins Pick n Pay from – uh, oh – Shoprite, will also be working in the planning department, where he will focus on format development plans, no doubt bringing his hefty experience in emerging markets to bear.
Comment: To lose one is an accident, to lose two is just plain careless...