Senior Appointments in NZ
Friday 28 August 2009; REDgroup Retail today announced the appointment of Sam Shosanya to the role of Category Director for REDgroup retail and former Dymocks executive, Andrew Howard, to the role of Sales & Operations Manager for Borders New Zealand.
Mr Shosanya is a former GM of Marketing & Merchandise for Life Pharmacy with significant category management experience for other local retailers such as The Warehouse and international retailers such as UK supermarket giant Sainsbury’s and D.I.Y. store HomeBase.
Mr Howard joins the REDgroup team following two years as General Manager of Dymocks New Zealand during which time he worked to promote and grow the Dymocks brand, range and store network throughout the country. Prior to working with Dymocks, Mr Howard was NZ Trading Manager for petrol station and convenience store operator BP Retail, a role that spanned both the supply chain and merchandising functions. Mr Howard also spent 14 years with NZ supermarket chain Progressive Enterprises in a number of operational roles including Category Manager.
Peter Kalan, Managing Director of REDgroup New Zealand, said he was pleased to welcome these two very experienced and skilled managers to the NZ team to drive the growth of Whitcoulls and Borders locally.
“It’s great to have Sam and Andrew on board as we continue to invest in the Whitcoulls and Borders brands in New Zealand. The operational experience these guys have is second to none in the local market and I am so pleased to have them joining our strong team in Auckland,” said Mr Kalan.
“Sam’s role will span both Whitcoulls and Borders, with a focus on ensuring these businesses have the right book titles and the right mix of entertainment, stationery and other categories to suit our core customer base.
“As Sales and Operations Manager, Andrew’s role will be to drive the growth of our Borders business, continue the investment in our existing stores and ensure we have the best possible range, offers and promotions in‐store for our loyal Borders customers.
“Andrew is very well known and liked in the local book industry and his appointment is a strong endorsement of our plans for the Borders brand.”
Mr Howard commented: “I am really excited about taking on this new role with Borders, and about the commitment REDgroup has made to continued investment in its store network and great titles. Borders is a fantastic brand focussed on in‐store customer experience. I think there’s a lot we can do with this business for the benefit of customers and I’m looking forward to rolling up my sleeves.”
REDgroup has spent the past year restructuring and integrating its businesses across the Tasman following the acquisition of Borders in June 2008. As part of this restructure, REDgroup has focussed heavily on increasing its senior operational and executive resources in New Zealand. Mr Kalan moved into the NZ Managing Director role in June 2009 to lead the local growth strategy.
REDgroup currently employs 97 people in its local Auckland head office and 1,200 people in New Zealand across its national store network which includes 65 Whitcoulls stores, 5 Borders stores, 10 travel stores and 7 Bennett’s stores.
Mr Kalan said: “Despite economic conditions, we are continuing to invest in our stores and in jobs because ultimately, New Zealand is a good place to do business. While there will continue to be little blips along the way, ultimately I think New Zealanders are resilient and consumer confidence will return. Besides, regardless of what’s happening around us, New Zealanders will always love to read.”
Mr Shosanya and Mr Howard both commence their employment with REDgroup on Monday 31st of August 2009.