Australian wholesaler and distributor Metcash has appointed former Tesco Lotus head honcho Jeff Adams as its next chief executive.
Adams will join the company, which supplies groceries to IGA stores, in September. He will initially work alongside current chief executive Ian Morrice to gain an overview of the business. It is envisaged the transition process will conclude in December, at which time Adams will succeed Morrice.
Adams is an accomplished retail executive, having held a number of senior positions with Tesco PLC over a 20 year period. This includes roles as chief executive of Tesco Lotus in Thailand, retail operations director of Fresh & Easy in the US and director of operations at Tesco Express in the UK.
“We are delighted to have a person of Jeff’s calibre and experience join us,” said Metcash chairman Rob Murray. “Jeff has a lifelong passion for the retail industry, and is ideally suited to lead the company’s continued focus on ensuring the competitiveness and success of independent retailers.”
Morrice announced his intention to retire last month, after the completion of five years in the role. He will stay on as and adviser to Adams and the Metcash board until June 2018, a move welcomed by Adams.
“I am very please with the work done to strengthen Metcash’s financial position, and I look forward to working with Ian, the board, and the wider Metcash team as we continue to build on the work done to reposition Metcash for the future,' Adams said.
