Germany’s Rewe Group has determined a new management structure for Lekkerland, which it acquired in May of this year for an undisclosed amount.
The former chief executive of Lekkerland AG & Co. KG, Patrick Steppe, will take over the management of the new Lekkerland SE & Co. KG.
In the new role, Steppe will report directly to the CEO of REWE Group, Lionel Souque.
'Ideal Leader'
Commenting on the appointment, Souque said, "With his experience and innovative strength, he is ideal [to lead] our convenience division. With his management team, he will optimally combine the strengths of Lekkerland and REWE while remaining 100% focused on the benefits of our customers. Patrick Steppe stands for continuity and future growth prospects at the same time."
Elsewhere, Hilmar Hübers will take over as the chief operating officer of Lekkerland, the retailer said.
Hübers will be responsible for category management, buying, IT and digital business development.
He has also been appointed to the executive board of Lekkerland SE & Co. KG, effective 1 March 2020.
Presently, he serves as a divisional board member of commerce in the Rewe Group and is responsible for the customer and analytics department.
'Economic Success And Competitiveness'
Souque added, "Hilmar Hübers and his teams have made a major contribution to the economic success and competitiveness of Rewe and Penny in Germany over the past decade.
"In particular, he has made the use of data and insights to optimise and further develop our customer retention, category management, and marketing business. I thank Hilmar Hübers very much for his engagement so far and look forward to the further trustful cooperation.”
Christoph Eltze will succeed Hübers as the new divisional board member in addition to his role as chief executive of REWE digital GmbH.
The executive board team of Lekkerland SE & Co. KG will also include Dr Jochen Großpietsch, who will continue to serve as chief supply chain officer, Rewe added.
Chief financial officer of Lekkerland AG & Co. KG, Dr Edgar Lange, has decided to step down from the role after the merger.
He is scheduled to leave the company by the end of April 2020 to ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities.
'Decisive Contribution'
Commenting on his departure from the company, Steppe added, "In recent years, he has made a decisive contribution to the entrepreneurial success of Lekkerland and set the course for a successful future for the company.
“I thank him, that he will continue to contribute his expertise in the coming months and ensure a comprehensive transfer of his responsibilities. I wish him all the best for his future career and continued success.”
© 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.
