Dansk Supermarked has announced that it has appointed Per Bank as its new managing director and chief executive officer, effective from 1 April 2012.
Bank, who will leave his position as commercial director for non-food, telecoms and online at UK-based retail giant Tesco, replaces the outgoing Erling Jensen, who is retiring following 35 years at Dansk.
'We have got the best possible man for the job,' said Trond Westlie, chief financial officer of A.P. Møller-Maersk and member of the board at Dansk Supermarked. 'Per Bank has shown that he can create results and progress in large and complex organisations. His thorough knowledge of the retail business both in Denmark and internationally is a great strength for Dansk Supermarked.'
Bank, who is also a member of Tesco's executive board, noted that he was looking forward to taking the lead at Denmark's largest retail group.
'I come from a fantastic position at Tesco, but to become head of Dansk Supermarked Group is a unique opportunity and one of the very few jobs which would make me want to return home,' he explained. 'During my years in Danish and international retail business, I have always considered Dansk Supermarked as a consolidated company with great potential both in Denmark and internationally. To lead Dansk Supermarked to further growth and expansion in the coming years is a fantastic challenge which I very much look forward to taking up in cooperation with the many competent managers and employees of the group.'
Meanwhile, Westlie thanked Erling Jensen for his 'great contribution' to Dansk, adding that he has made a 'marked impression' on the business.
