Pick n Pay’s former CEO takes back the reins 

Pick n Pay announced today that Pieter Boone is stepping down as group CEO and will be replaced by Sean Summers, who was Pick n Pay’s CEO between 1999 and 2006.

Chairman Gareth Ackerman said, “I want to thank Pieter for his dedication to Pick n Pay over the past two-and-a-half years.” 

“Unfortunately, in a very difficult environment, the performance of our core Pick n Pay business has been very challenging over the past months and has not met expectations.”

“Pieter accepts that the Board has decided on a change in leadership. He leaves us with our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future.”

Summers will take over as group CEO, with a goal to turn around the performance of the group’s “Pick n Pay retail core engine while ensuring the continued success of the Group’s growth strategies”. 

He will also prioritise an effective handover plan to the next generation of leadership in the company. 

Sean Summers previously worked for Pick n Pay between 1974 and 2007.

He became managing director in 1996 and CEO in 1999. He left the company in 2007. 

“During his tenure, Pick n Pay was the clear grocery market leader in South Africa. The late Raymond Ackerman described Sean as ‘an excellent leader who achieved remarkable things at Pick n Pay’,” the company said. 

“We are delighted that Sean is coming back to Pick n Pay. His knowledge and experience is unrivalled,” Gareth Ackerman said.

“He is passionate about getting Pick n Pay back on to the right trajectory and winning the trust and confidence of customers, new and old. He is absolutely the right person for the job at this time.” 

Summers said, “I am very excited to be coming home to Pick n Pay. Retailing is my passion, and this company is in my blood. I have great excitement and energy for the task ahead.”