UK wholesaler Makro – part of the German retail giant Metro Group – has named Asda executive Huw Edwards as its new offer management director.
Edwards joins the Makro board after 15 years at Asda and will oversee the wholesaler’s range reviews and new product categorisation.
“Huw’s appointment is not only a coup for us, it’s a statement of our intent,” said Makro MD Hannes Floto.
“It captures in a nutshell our strategy of bringing in the very best person for each role at Makro, and underlines the full extent of our ambition. We’re working hard to return Makro to its former position of strength, and Huw’s experience and expertise gained at Asda can only propel us further forward.”
There has been some speculation over Makro’s future in the UK, with some suggestions buyers are being sought for the company’s stores.
Floto has dismissed the claims, insisting there are no plans to sell any of the 30 Makro stores in the UK and that there is “significant” investment being put behind the business.
Reflecting on his appointment, Edwards said: “Wholesale is a new challenge after many years in retail, but my strong grocer background and passion for trading mean I will quickly get to grips with what Makro needs to deliver: the right articles at the right prices.”
