AUS: Coles management augmented

By: just-food.com | 16 May 2008

Coles owner Wesfarmers has announced that two new members will join the Australian retailer's management team as part of its push to restructure the flagging grocer.

Peter Pokorny will become general manager of fresh produce in June. Pokorny has held key positions in fresh produce and the supply chain during more than 30 years working in Australian retail operations.

Wesfarmers managing director Richard Goyder said Pokorny would be invaluable in improving Coles' fresh produce offering, which has become a key focus since Wesfarmers acquired Coles for A$20bn (US$18.75bn) last year.

"Peter's great experience in this area and his intimate knowledge of the Australian fresh food market will be invaluable in improving the Coles offer now and in the future," Goyder said.

Meanwhile, a senior executive with Wal-Mart's Asda in the UK, Stuart Machin, will become Coles' operations director.

Machin is currently retail operations director - south at Asda and has previously worked for both Tesco and Sainsbury's.

Sectors: Retail

Companies: Coles, Asda, Wal-Mart, Tesco, Sainsbury’s