Chris Bush, the former UK Managing Director of Tesco, has been appointed as the new Group CEO of Westfalia Fruit Group, the multinational fresh produce supplier.
Bush will officially take on the role from 28 October 2024, succeeding acting CEO Rian du Toit, who will return to his previous position as Group CFO. The announcement was made by the Board of Hans Merensky Holdings (HMH) and Westfalia Fruit Group, highlighting Bush's extensive experience and proven leadership in the grocery retail industry.
A Manchester Business School and INSEAD graduate, Bush boasts nearly four decades of experience in retail management. His career at Tesco spanned 32 years, during which he served in various high-profile positions, including leading operations in Asia and as the UK Managing Director. More recently, Bush was the Divisional CEO of DFI Retail Group, where he managed a network of 1,500 stores across seven countries in South East Asia.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Bush commented, "I am both honoured and delighted to be joining an organisation that is so clearly dedicated to innovation, product quality and sustainability. I am inspired by the company’s stated mission to lead the way in addressing climate change by following in the footsteps of the company’s founder, Dr Hans Merensky, to do good and contribute to a better planet for future generations."
The chairman of HMH and Westfalia, Dr. Khotso Mokhele, praised Bush’s appointment, saying, "After an extensive global search process, the Board is delighted to welcome Mr. Bush as our new Group Chief Executive. Chris is a seasoned CEO with exceptional strategic capabilities, proven operational effectiveness, and strong experience in retail, as well as working across a breadth of different countries and cultures."
Westfalia Fruit, widely recognised as a leader in the global avocado market, has been expanding its reach into new regions and increasing its focus on sustainability and innovation.
Bush’s appointment signals a continued commitment to driving growth and building on the company’s strong legacy in the fresh produce industry.
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