Metcash CEO announces retirement, successor

Metcash’s outgoing CEO Jeff Adams.

Metcash chief executive Jeff Adams will retire early next year, and will be replaced by Doug Jones, current CEO and senior vice president of South African-based Massmart Wholesale.

Adams had indicated to the Metcash board a desire to retire, which allowed the business to complete a global search for a successor.

“On behalf of the board I would like to thank Jeff for his outstanding contribution to Metcash over the past four years,” said chairman Rob Murray.

“The demands on Jeff through Covid have been considerable and were a factor in his decision to retire as Group CEO. His endurance and resilience during this period, which included not being able to see his US-based family, have been amazing.”

Adams’ successor, Doug Jones, has spent the past 14 years with Massmart Group, which is majority owned by Walmart, and sits in a market leading position in wholesale food, liquor, home improvement and general merchandise in South Africa.

Jones will join Metcash on February 1, 2022, and will work with Adams on facilitating a smooth transition.

“Doug’s extensive and distinguished international experience across wholesale, retail and e-commerce markets made him the standout candidate to succeed Jeff,” Murray said.

“He is passionate about the success of independent retailers and we are looking forward to him joining us and taking the company forward.”

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