In a significant leadership change, Westfalia Fruit Group has announced the appointment of Chris Bush, the former Tesco UK boss, as their new CEO.
Chris Bush steps into his new role at Westfalia Fruit Group with an extensive background in grocery retail. Previously, he was the UK managing director at Tesco, where he served for an impressive 32 years, including a position as CEO of Tesco Thailand. Additionally, Bush brings experience from his recent role as divisional CEO of DFI Retail Group in South East Asia, where he managed 1,500 stores across seven countries.
Bush’s appointment follows his clearance from fraud charges related to Tesco’s £250 million accounting scandal, a case that was dismissed by the courts in 2018 due to insufficient evidence. After this legal victory, Bush reportedly took legal action against Tesco for unfair dismissal.
Dr Khotso Mokhele, chairman of Hans Merensky Holdings and the Westfalia Fruit Group, expressed confidence in Bush’s capabilities. “I am both honoured and delighted to be joining an organisation that is so clearly dedicated to innovation, product quality and sustainability,” Bush remarked upon his appointment.
Westfalia Fruit Group, renowned as one of the largest fruit suppliers globally, operates in 17 countries across five continents. Celebrating 75 years of existence, the company is particularly known for its expertise in avocados, offering diverse products such as avocado oil, guacamole, and dried fruit.
The transition in leadership sees Bush succeed Rian du Toit, who had been serving as the acting group CEO and will now return to his role as Group CFO. Dr Mokhele highlighted Bush’s strategic and operational expertise as pivotal factors for his selection. The company emphasizes innovation, product quality, and sustainability, aligning with Bush’s professional ethos.
Chris Bush’s appointment as CEO marks a new chapter for Westfalia Fruit Group, bringing his vast experience and leadership skills to the fore in steering the company towards future successes.
