Makro UK appoints 4 new board members

Wholesaler Makro UK has appointed four new permanent board members to replace the external consultants who were parachuted in to the top team last year to lead its turnaround plans.

In June Makro suddenly replaced all but one of its five board members, including its managing director of four years standing Hannes Floto, with consultants from US-based turnaround specialist Alix Partners.

Finance director Stefan Hesse, operations director Patrick Legro and customer director Mark Copeland also left with immediate effect due to “different views on the strategic direction of the company”.

The only survivor of the cull was commercial director Huw Edwards, who had only been appointed two months previously.

The move came after Eccles-based Makro posted a 2009 turnover of £868m, down from £899m, with losses of £44.7m, up from losses of £26.8m.

Now Makro has announced the exit of Alix Partners and new appointments to its board after reporting a strong start to its turnaround plans.

Juergen Schwarze is Makro's new managing director, Jens Koeppen has been appointed as finance director, Stephen Blan has been named as operations director and Huw Edwards remains as commercial director.

Mr Schwarze said the move 'signals a new era for Makro UK'.

He said: “Following an intensive period of restructuring, the business is in a much stronger position than it was six months ago and we can continue returning Makro UK to its position of strength with a renewed sense of determination.”

Makro, which was founded in 1971, operates 30 cash and carry's across the country.

The retailer employs around 3,700 staff, including more than 200 at its Eccles headquarters.

It is part of the German Metro Cash and Carry network, which has more than 500 stores worldwide serving 20 million commercial customers.

Source : Manchester Evening News
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