Retail News CRM

Tag: division

  • Shinsegae Chairman Elevates to CEO Role, Spearheading Growth for E-Mart & Property Division

    Shinsegae Chairman Elevates to CEO Role, Spearheading Growth for E-Mart & Property Division

    Shinsegae Group’s chairman, Chung Yong-jin, is set to expand his role within the organization, assuming CEO positions at both E-mart and Shinsegae Property. This move by the South Korean retail heavyweight signals an aggressive push for growth in its primary sectors.

    Shifting Responsibility and Strategy

    Chung’s dual appointment marks a significant shift within the group, with the chairman now directly overseeing the operations of the nation’s largest retailer and its property development subsidiary. This decision comes at a crucial time when the company, faced with a challenging retail environment, is actively seeking new avenues for expansion. The decision underscores Chung’s resolve to shoulder a larger part of the company’s overall direction and performance.

    Chung appreciates the market’s expectations for clear accountability in the company’s management. As the newly appointed CEO, he is prepared to submit to the evaluation of the board of directors and shareholders.

    In his capacity at E-Mart, Chung will directly oversee the retailer’s operations and future growth strategies. The company believes this change mirrors his dedication to tackling current business hurdles and boosting shareholder value.

    Leadership Changes and Future Plans

    In his role at Shinsegae Property, Chung will supervise the group’s major development projects and support plans to secure locations for a proposed AI data centre that was announced earlier this year.

    This management shakeup follows a recent controversy at Starbucks Korea, where E-Mart is the majority shareholder. Since this incident, the retailer has committed to organizational reforms to bolster governance and operational supervision.

    Shinsegae Property executive Lee Hyung-cheon has been named as co-CEO and will continue to oversee the company’s regular operations and development activities. Shin Dong-woo has been nominated as the new CEO for Starbucks Korea. Shinsegae has stated that he will focus on reinforcing internal controls, enhancing operational systems, and restoring trust among clients and partners.

    Questions & Answers

    What new roles is Chung Yong-jin assuming at Shinsegae Group?
    Chung Yong-jin is taking on the dual roles of CEO at both E-mart and Shinsegae Property.

    What implications does this dual appointment have for the company?
    This move signals a significant shift in Shinsegae Group’s strategy, with Chung Yong-jin assuming more responsibility for the company’s overall performance and direction. It also demonstrates a commitment to tackling current business challenges and enhancing shareholder value.

    How will the roles be distributed among the leadership after these changes?
    Chung Yong-jin will oversee operations and future growth strategies at E-Mart and major development projects at Shinsegae Property. Lee Hyung-cheon will continue to oversee day-to-day operations and development activities at Shinsegae Property as co-CEO. Shin Dong-woo will focus on internal controls, operational systems and regaining trust as the CEO of Starbucks Korea.

  • UBS Taps 30-Year Veteran Andrew Bird to Spearhead Australian Wealth Management Division

    UBS Taps 30-Year Veteran Andrew Bird to Spearhead Australian Wealth Management Division

    UBS, the multinational investment bank and financial services company, recently declared the appointment of Andrew Bird as its new Head of Global Wealth Management (GWM) for Australia. With a career spanning three decades and a previous tenure at UBS, Bird brings valuable experience and expertise to the role.

    New Head of Wealth Management

    Andrew Bird has officially taken over as Head of Global Wealth Management for UBS Australia, from April 27. In addition to his primary role, Bird is joining the bank’s GWM management team, overseeing operations in diverse regions including Southeast Asia, Japan, India, and Australia. He will also play a substantial part in the Australia Country Management Forum.

    Bird’s base of operations will be in Sydney, where he will report directly to Jin Yee Young, the Co-Head of GWM APAC. At the local level, Bird will coordinate with the Co-Country Heads of Australasia, Nick Hughes and Greg Peirce.

    Experienced Professional

    Bird’s professional journey spans over 30 years in wealth management and institutional markets. His most recent role was leading the wealth management division at National Australia Bank’s JBWere for the past decade. Bird is no stranger to UBS. Here, he previously served as the Market Manager for Melbourne in the wealth unit. Bird’s distinguished career also includes holding senior private banking positions at Credit Suisse and Citi.

    UBS has confirmed Bird’s appointment and his outlined responsibilities through a spokesperson.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as the new Head of Global Wealth Management for UBS Australia?
    Andrew Bird has been appointed as the new Head of Global Wealth Management for UBS Australia.

    What other roles will Andrew Bird be undertaking at UBS?
    Aside from his chief role, Bird will join the GWM management team, responsible for Southeast Asia, Japan, India, and Australia. He will also participate in the Australia Country Management Forum.

    What is Andrew Bird’s professional background?
    With over 30 years of experience across wealth management and institutional markets, Bird has previously worked for National Australia Bank’s JBWere, Credit Suisse, and Citi. His prior role at UBS was as the Market Manager for Melbourne in the wealth unit.

  • Fonterra Farmer Shareholders Green-Light $4.22 Billion Consumer Division Sale to Lactalis

    Fonterra Farmer Shareholders Green-Light $4.22 Billion Consumer Division Sale to Lactalis

    Fonterra’s farmer shareholders have granted approval for the company’s proposal to divest its consumer products division. The Mainland Group and its associated businesses are set to be sold to Lactalis for a sum of $4.22 billion.

    High Support for Divestment

    A resounding 88.47% of farmer shareholders voted in support of this divestment decision in a special virtual meeting. The company asserts that this level of shareholder support exemplifies one of the core principles that sets Fonterra apart from other processors in the market.

    Fonterra Chairman Peter McBride voiced his appreciation for the active participation of the farmer shareholders throughout the decision-making process. Since the exploration of divestment options was initiated in May of the previous year, and especially over the past few weeks when the full details were made available, there has been a significant uptick in discussion and engagement from the farmers.

    McBride commented on the strategic implications of the divestment, stating, “We have thoroughly examined our strategic context, our strengths, and the way we create value for our farmer owners as a cooperative. This divestment will result in a more simplified and focused business, the value of which cannot be overstated.”

    To approve the sale, Fonterra required more than half of the total votes, a condition that was met with ease due to the high percentage of votes supporting the divestment.

    Final Steps and Future Investments

    The divestment process of Mainland Group’s business from Fonterra is now pending regulatory approvals. These approvals are currently underway, and the completion of the transaction is expected to occur in the first half of the coming year.

    In addition, Fonterra has revealed plans to make a significant investment in its dairy operations. The company intends to allot NZ$75 million ($66 million) towards expanding butter production at its Clandeboye site located in South Canterbury.

    Questions & Answers

    What percentage of Fonterra’s farmer shareholders voted in favour of the divestment?
    Approximately 88.47% of Fonterra’s farmer shareholders voted in favour of the divestment.

    What will the divestment result in for Fonterra?
    The divestment will lead to a more simplified and focused business for Fonterra.

    What significant investment has Fonterra planned following the divestment?
    Fonterra has planned to invest NZ$75 million ($66 million) in expanding butter production at its Clandeboye site in South Canterbury.

  • Kering Divests Beauty Division To L’oreal For $4.6b: A Strategic Push For Luxury Fashion Focus

    Kering Divests Beauty Division To L’oreal For $4.6b: A Strategic Push For Luxury Fashion Focus

    In a significant maneuver towards streamlining its operations, luxury conglomerate Kering has divested its beauty division to L’Oreal. The deal, valued at US$4.6 billion (EU$4 billion), is part of Kering’s broader strategy to concentrate on its essential fashion brands.

    Agreement Details

    Under the terms of the agreement, L’Oreal has gained 50-year exclusive rights to manufacture, develop, and circulate fragrances and cosmetics for renowned brands like Creed, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga. Furthermore, the deal encompasses the forthcoming acquisition of Gucci Beauty once its current license with Coty concludes.

    Kering’s CEO, Luca de Meo, views this partnership as a significant leap towards enhancing the expansion of its fragrance and cosmetics houses. De Meo expressed his optimism about the partnership, stating it would drive scale in the beauty sector and uncover extensive long-term potential for the brands.

    Strategic Coordination and Joint Ventures

    To ensure brand consistency, a strategic committee will be instituted to facilitate coordination between Kering’s brands and L’Oreal. The committee’s function will be to provide an alignment that reinforces the brands’ coherence across different categories.

    Additionally, both companies have plans to probe into potential business prospects through intended 50/50 joint ventures. These ventures are seen as opportunities to strengthen their brand portfolios and expand market reach.

    L’Oreal’s CEO, Nicolas Hieronimus, believes the partnership will assist in broadening the company’s reach into high-growth segments. Hieronimus is confident that this alliance will position them as leading contenders in the rapidly expanding niche fragrance market. He lauded Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga as exceptional couture brands possessing considerable potential.

    Deal Closure

    The agreement is anticipated to conclude in the first half of next year, with payment to be made in cash. The deal’s completion is still contingent on receiving regulatory approval.

    Questions & Answers

    What does this deal mean for Kering?
    This deal allows Kering to focus on its core luxury fashion houses, while also potentially enhancing the growth of its fragrance and cosmetics brands through a partnership with L’Oreal.

    How will L’Oreal benefit from this deal?
    L’Oreal will acquire exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute products for some of the world’s most prestigious brands, thus potentially expanding its influence in high-growth segments and the niche fragrance market.

    What are the future plans of both companies post this deal?
    Both companies plan to establish a strategic committee to ensure brand coherence. They also intend to explore possible business opportunities through equal stake joint ventures.