Makro hires operations director

MAKRO, the loss-making self-service wholesaler has appointed Stephen Blan as operations director.

An experienced retailer, Blan, who starts his new job in January, was most recently European retail director at Carphone Warehouse.
 
He will work with the group’s new managing director Juergen Schwarze to return the business to financial health and growth.

His primary role at Makro will be to ensure high customer service standards at the 30 UK stores and he will also have responsibility for developing the   foodservice and field sales operations in the UK.

He said: I am thrilled to be appointed as Operations Director for Makro UK during its 40th anniversary year. Not only does Makro have an exceptional pedigree as a subsidiary of the METRO Group, I am joining a great team and I am excited about the part I can play in the UK’s plans for the future.”

Juergen Schwarze added: ““Stephen has a passion for developing and leading teams that deliver great customer service. This along with a deep knowledge of effective and efficient store operations will be key to ensuring we deliver on our ambition of putting the customer at the heart of everything we do.”

Martin Schumacher will step down from the board as a result of this appointment,  but will continue to support the business as an adviser.