Auchan Retail has announced the appointment of Johannes Tholey as the new managing director of its Russian operations.
He will be responsible for developing Auchan Retail's activities in Russia and accelerate recovery initiated in 2018, the retailer said.
Challenges
Auchan Retail Russia, launched in 2002, is challenged by increased competition and a decline in household consumption since the 2014 financial crisis.
Commenting on the appointment, Edgard Bonte, president of Auchan Retail, said, "His knowledge of food distribution in Russia and his experience in recognised businesses will be important assets for Auchan Retail Russia in the years to come."
Tholey will succeed François Rémy, who was at the helm of Auchan Retail Russia since July 2017.
Bonte added, "I thank François Rémy to have initiated the transformation of Auchan Retail Russia for 2 years. Under his direction, our Russian subsidiary, a strategic subsidiary for our group, has begun to evolve [...] in line with the expectations of Russian consumers."
A Seasoned Professional
He is a seasoned professional with 17 years of experience in the Russian distribution market.
He also gained experience in the non-food distribution sector in Germany while working for Bauhaus and Globus groups.
Between 2004 to 2016, he played an important role in the development of the Globus hypermarket chain in Russia.
He served in various roles including human resources and IT before taking on management positions.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
