Three of South Africa’s major retailers are turning to new leadership as they seek to revive growth and accelerate turnaround strategies amid increasing competition in the country’s consumer market.
SPAR announced on Monday that it expects to appoint a new chairperson and additional independent directors by early November.
The move follows leadership changes at Pick n Pay and Woolworths. Pick n Pay last week announced former Woolworths executive Spencer Sonn as its incoming chief executive, while Woolworths appointed company veteran Sam Ngumeni as CEO in June.
The changes come as retailers face mounting pressure from market leader Shoprite, which has intensified its pricing and expansion strategies, as well as Walmart, which began rolling out its namesake stores in South Africa last year.
Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Charles Allen says the growing competition means the turnaround strategies at Pick n Pay and SPAR require renewed momentum.
“The arrival of Walmart supercenters and Shoprite’s robust price response means that the turnarounds at Pick n Pay and SPAR need renewed impetus to ensure sales gains, which can be delivered by new leadership,” Allen said.
Pick n Pay is working to restore profitability to its core supermarket business after years of losing market share to competitors.
Sonn, who previously headed Woolworths’ South African food business, will work alongside current Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers as the retailer continues implementing its turnaround plan.
At SPAR, the planned board changes come as the company attempts to improve its operational performance. However, the retailer warned on Monday that its 2026 financial performance is expected to be weaker than the previous year, with its Southern African grocery and liquor operations facing particular pressure.
Woolworths, meanwhile, remains in a stronger financial position. Since taking over as CEO, Ngumeni has moved to restructure the group’s operating model, saying the business needs clearer accountability and faster decision-making.
The leadership changes at all three retailers highlight the challenges facing established South African chains as they seek to strengthen their businesses and compete for increasingly contested consumer spending.