Experienced retail leader Chris Bush to assume CEO role on October 28, 2024, bringing nearly 40 years of expertise to drive growth and sustainability initiatives.
Hans Merensky Holdings (HMH) and Westfalia Fruit Group announced the appointment of Chris Bush as their new Group CEO, with the role officially commencing on October 28, 2024.
Bush, a seasoned executive with nearly 40 years of experience in grocery retail, will succeed Acting Group CEO Rian du Toit, who will return to his previous position as Group CFO.
Throughout his career, Bush has led multinational organizations, excelling in growth strategies and complex turnarounds across different regions.
His most recent role was as Divisional CEO of DFI Retail Group in Southeast Asia, where he oversaw operations across 1,500 stores in seven countries.
Prior to that, Bush spent 32 years at Tesco Plc, culminating in his role as UK Managing Director, after holding leadership positions in Asia and other international markets.
The new appointment follows a comprehensive global search, as stated in a press release by HMH and Westfalia Chairman Dr. Khotso Mokhele.
After an extensive global search process, the Board is delighted to welcome Mr. Bush as our new Group Chief Executive.
Chris is a seasoned CEO with exceptional strategic capabilities, proven operational effectiveness, and strong experience in retail, as well as working across a breadth of different countries and cultures.
In response to his appointment, Bush expressed enthusiasm about joining the organization.
“I am both honoured and delighted to be joining an organisation that is so clearly dedicated to innovation, product quality and sustainability,” he shared.
Bush emphasized his commitment to the company’s mission to combat climate change, reflecting the principles of its founder, Dr. Hans Merensky.
“I am inspired by the company’s stated mission to lead the way in addressing climate change by following in the footsteps of the company’s founder, Dr. Hans Merensky, to do good and contribute to a better planet for future generations.”
Bush further added that he looks forward to connecting with the team and stakeholders worldwide to understand how they can collaborate for sustainable growth.
“I am excited to meet our talented team, our customers, communities, and stakeholders around the world to listen and learn how together we can maximise our growth potential and build sustainable, long term success.”
With this leadership transition, HMH and Westfalia aim to bolster their strategic direction, aligning their growth ambitions with a focus on sustainability and operational excellence.
