Swedish retailer Axfood AB has announced that Klas Balkow is to take over as chief executive from next March, succeeding Anders Strålman.
Balkow joins Axfood from Clas Ohlson, where he was chief executive, and previously worked at Aximage, a subsidiary (like Axfood) of the Axel Johnson Group. He also previously worked for P&G.
Commenting on the appointment, Mia Brunell Livfors, president and CEO of Axel Johnson and chairman of the board of Axfood AB, said, “Klas Balkow has exceptional leadership qualities and a long record of experience in trade. This will be a great asset in his new challenge, to both lead and refine the company culture that exists at Axfood, while also capitalising on the great opportunities that exist in the company and in the food retail industry.”
Strålman joined Axfood in 2000 as president of its discount grocery chain, Willys. In November 2005, he graduated to the position of president and CEO of the entire Axfood Group.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
