Bush brings extensive global grocery retail experience, having previously worked at DFI Retal Group and Tesco
Hans Merensky Holdings (HMH) and Westfalia Fruit has appointed Chris Bush as CEO, effective 28 October, 2024. He takes over from acting CEO Rian du Toit who returns to his role as CFO.
Bush brings almost 40 years of experience working across grocery retail, having led multinational organisations across various geographies.
Most recently he was divisional CEO of DFI Retail Group, South-East Asia (formerly Dairy Farm Group), directing the group’s 1,500 stores across seven countries. Prior to joining DFI Retail Group, he worked at Tesco for 32 years, leading large-scale businesses in Asia, culminating in his position as the UK managing director. Throughout his career, Chris has lived and worked in Europe, the US and Asia.
Announcing the appointment, HMH and Westfalia Fruit Group chairman Dr Khotso Mokhele said: “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”.
Bush commented: “I am both honoured and delighted to be joining an organisation that is so clearly dedicated to innovation, product quality and sustainability. 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.
“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”.
