SOUTH AFRICA – Naspers-controlled online retailer Takealot Group has appointed Mamongae Mahlare as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2021.

In a statement, the online retailer says Mahlare’s appointment follows the announcement that Kim Reid will transition to chairman of Takealot Group during the course of this year 2021, where he will focus on the group’s longer-term growth ambitions.

In February 2021, Takealot made some changes to its executive team.

At the time, the company said once he becomes chairman, Reid is set to work closely with the Group CEO and shareholder, Naspers, on the group’s next phase, stepping back from day-to-day operations to focus on initiatives that will deliver future value for the group.

Launched in June 2011, the shopping site has rapidly evolved over the years, opening warehouses throughout the country, expanding its selection to over 21 departments, adding a third-party sellers’ marketplace, and most recently, adding pickup points across the country.

Mahlare joins the Takealot Group from Illovo Sugar South Africa, where she was managing director.

The company says as a seasoned business leader, Mahlare brings with her a strong balance between operational experience, strategy, innovation, engineering and brand, having previously worked at organizations such as SABMiller, Unilever and Coca-Cola.

“The opportunity to lead a technology-centric, innovative, South African champion that has created thousands of jobs and enabled so many SMMEs over the past 10 years is both exciting and humbling. I look forward to working with the teams to take this great company to even greater heights,” said Mahlare.

“We have searched far and wide to find a leader who has the experience, skills and ambition to write the next chapter for the Takealot Group. I’m excited for this next phase and, as chairman, I am very much looking forward to partnering with Mamongae to continue to grow the business,” said Reid.

Along with Mahlare’s appointment, the Takealot Group has also named Tessa Ackermann as group chief financial officer.

Other key executive appointments include Alex Wörz as Chief Executive Officer of Mr D Food, replacing Devin Sinclair; Rayhaan Samsodien being appointed CFO of  Mr D Food and Octavius Vermooten picked as CFO of Takealot.com.

The other appointments are Jurgen Hanekom, as CFO of Superbalist.com and Frederik Zietsman who was previously appointed CEO of Takealot.com in April 2021.

“Seeing all the new appointments coming from within the group excites me as it points to the fact that the business creates opportunities for people to grow and progress,” added Mahlare.

“We’re delighted that Mamongae is joining the group at such a pivotal time for Takealot. The business is in great shape and ready for its next phase of growth under a strong leadership team. Takealot is an excellent South African business, with much more to come,” concluded Bob van Dijk, Group CEO, Prosus and Naspers.

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