Ian Morrice, CEO of Metcash Limited, has announced the appointment of Steven Cain as CEO Supermarkets and Mark Hewlett as executive general manager, New Channels. Mr Morrice said: “Steven Cain and Mark Hewlett are very strong additions to our executive team and will considerably strengthen our retail knowledge and capability.”
Steven Cain brings considerable food retail and business experience, both locally and internationally, from his roles with Coles, Asda (UK), Pacific Equity Partners and ITV (UK), Metcash said.
Between 2003 and 2005, Mr Cain was group managing director with responsibility for Coles Supermarkets, Coles Central Convenience Stores and Express Petrol Stations, Coles Online, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars.
During his time at Coles comparative sales and EBIT increased significantly. Mr Cain was also a key executive involved in the turnaround of Asda in the UK. His roles over six years included group marketing director, store development director, grocery trading director and own brand controller.
Since 2005 Mr Cain has held operating director, portfolio company chairman and advisory roles across FMCG, retail, media and private equity organisations in Australia, Europe, Asia and the USA.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Cain said: “I am delighted to be joining Metcash at an important time in the implementation of the Diamond Transformation Program. I look forward to working with the Supermarkets team, suppliers and independent retailers to provide a more compelling customer offer in what is an increasingly competitive environment.”
Mr Cain has recently been providing advisory services to the Metcash Supermarkets business and will start on 1 August 2015.
Mark Hewlett brings deep food retailing and format development capability to the Metcash team having spent the last three years leading the convenience business development for Woolworths as well as being responsible for the day to day running of Thomas Dux.
Prior to joining Woolworths he spent over 12 years in the UK with German discounters Lidl and Aldi in senior retail, buying and format development roles.
Mr Hewlett said: “I am really looking forward to joining Metcash and supporting successful independents. The business has great distribution capability on which to build new models.”
Mark Hewlett commences as executive general manager, New Channels on 12 August 2015.