Takealot Group has made a number of organisational changes and new executive appointments as part of the online shopping site’s commitment to transformation.
Takealot founder and CEO Kim Reid has transitioned to the new role of group CEO of Takealot Group and will become chairman of the group during the course of 2021.
The company says the search for a new group CEO is under way and when the right person is found to succeed Reid, this will be announced.
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.
“Reflecting on the last 10 years, we are at a unique point in our history where I am able to set the wheels in motion to pass operational responsibility to a group CEO, and at the same time drive our commitment to transformation right from the top.
“The business has never been in a better position, poised for the potential growth in e-commerce in South Africa. We have strong management and committed employees who have contributed, and will continue to contribute, to a wonderful, unique, South African story,” says Reid.
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.
In addition to creating a new group CEO position and to support the transition, the company says it is further bolstering leadership with the creation of a new CEO position to lead the Takealot.com business.
Frederik Zietsman, who currently heads up the retail and marketplace portfolio in Takealot.com, will be appointed to this role, reporting directly to the group CEO, who will work with the leaders of Takealot.com, Superbalist.com and Mr D Food to build on these well-established platforms.
Reid says the online retail giant has always placed people at the centre of the business. “Without our people, we would not be where we are today. We have created opportunities for a remarkable group of talented individuals, who will continue to drive the business forward with passion. The people with the best people win,” he points out.
Since inception, Takealot has developed three strong verticals in Takealot.com, Superbalist.com and Mr D Food. It evolved from humble beginnings in a warehouse in Montague Gardens, Cape Town, to a continually expanding organisation that now employs over 2 500 people and has driven the evolution of e-commerce in SA.
“The market potential in South Africa still presents tremendous opportunity. While the current pandemic has accelerated consumer adoption of e-commerce by around two to three years, e-commerce still represents less than 3% of total retail in South Africa. This illustrates the scope, opportunity and work that still needs to be done. Although we realise we are never perfect, that does not stop us from striving for perfection while always placing customers, sellers and the people that work at the group at the centre of our universe,” says Reid.
“Kim and his team have built an incredible business over many years, starting as many e-commerce businesses do, in a room in a warehouse,” says Bob van Dijk, group CEO of Prosus and Naspers.
“With their innovation and hard work, they have built a world-class e-commerce business that South Africa can be proud of. Much of that is down to Kim, who has been a tireless force at the centre of the business. He will hand over a business in great shape for the next chapter and remain well-connected to the group as chairman to help guide this next phase.”
Share