Uchumi Supermarkets outlet in Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE
Listed retailer Uchumi Supermarkets has hired an operations consultant as part of ongoing efforts to turn around the business.
Uchumi, which recently lost its chief operations officer Willy Kimani to
rival Naivas, has announced the appointment of Peter Kamau as an
advisor to help the retailer’s “overall stabilisation and growth
strategy.”
Julius Kipng’etich, Uchumi’s chief
executive, says the retailer is looking to tap Mr Kamau’s experience in
the retail sector to help the company turn around its dwindling
fortunes.
Mr Kamau has over 18 years’ experience in the private sector.
Cutting costs to stay afloat
He has previously worked at Bidvest Foods Kenya, Nairobi Kitchencare Limited and Tusker Mattress Limited.
“Peter’s
knowledge of retail operations, local and international experience will
be invaluable as we look to define more innovative solutions for our
customers and endeavour to stabilise our business,” said Mr Kipng’etich.
Also read: Uchumi puts up Nairobi mall for sale
Earlier this week, Uchumi lost its COO Willy Kimani to rival Naivas, barely eight months into the job.
Mr
Kipng’etich had head-hunted Mr Kimani from rival retail chain Naivas
and made him his COO hoping to tap his experience in the industry to
drive his turnaround plans for the troubled company.
Uchumi has been shrinking its branch count, laying off staff and cutting costs to stay afloat.
The
retailer faces a winding up suit which it has vigorously fought
against, including by trying to persuade the litigants to drop the case
and convert their debt into equity.
The
supermarket also needs a cash injection to boost its operating capital.
The government has teamed up with other shareholders in a bid to craft a
bailout plan.
“Mr Kamau will oversee the
business operations of Uchumi as well as leverage strategic business
partnerships in a bid to advance the overall customer experience,” the
retailer said in a statement.
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