Takealot founder and CEO Kim Reid has transitioned to the new role of Group CEO, Takealot Group and will become chairman of the group during the course of 2021.
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The search for a new Group CEO is underway and when the right person is found to succeed Kim, this will be announced. The appointment of the new Group CEO will reflect the company’s commitment to transformation.
Once chairman, Kim will work closely with the Group CEO and 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 ecommerce 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,” said Kim.
In addition to creating a new Group CEO position, and to support the transition, the company 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.
Kim 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 said.
The story of the Takealot Group is one of a successful start-up that grew to become the champion of ecommerce in South Africa, developing 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 2500 people and has driven the evolution of ecommerce in South Africa.
“The market potential in South Africa still presents tremendous opportunity. While the current pandemic has accelerated consumer adoption of ecommerce by around two to three years, ecommerce 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,” said Kim.
“Kim and his team have built an incredible business over many years, starting as many ecommerce businesses do, in a room in a warehouse. With their innovation and hard work they have built a world-class ecommerce 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,” said Bob van Dijk, Group CEO, Prosus and Naspers.
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