Retail giant Massmart has announced the resignation of CEO Grant Pattison, effective June 1, and the appointment of COO Guy Hayward as his successor.
Pattison joined Massmart in 1998 and was appointed CEO in 2007, leading the group through a “significant” period, which culminated in the sale of a majority stake to the world’s largest retailer WalMart Stores.
“As the group is in good shape and well positioned for growth, I can think of no better time to hand over the reins. My successor is someone with whom I have worked closely and who has the skill and energy to take Massmart forward. I would like to congratulate Guy on his appointment and wish him well in his new role,” Pattison commented.
Hayward had held senior financial roles at former JSE-listed conglomerate Malbak and retail brand CNA Gallo, in South Africa, and at Goldman Sachs, in London, before joining Massmart as group financial executive in 2000.
He was appointed CFO in 2001 and in May 2012 COO – a newly created position – with responsibility for Massmart’s four operating divisions.
Massmart on Friday also announced the appointment of Kuseni Dlamini as independent nonexecutive chairperson from April 10, taking over from Mark Lamberti who was recently appointed CEO of logistics group Imperial Holdings.