DIA Group has announced the appointment of Marcelo Maia as the new executive chairman of its Brazilian division.
Maia's appointment is in line with the retailer's strategy to emphasise local businesses and build teams led by people with detailed knowledge of the market.
He will be responsible for designing and implementing the operating model which will drive performance throughout the business in Brazil, DIA added.
Commenting on the appointment, chief executive of the DIA Group, Karl-Heinz Holland, said, "DIA Brazil is a core market for our Group. At the helm of DIA Brazil, Marcelo's experience and knowledge will be a great [asset] to the local team and the business will successfully evolve and become a reference for our clients as well as for the industry."
An Industry Veteran
Maia is an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the retail sector in Brazil.
Most recently, he served as the executive director of the ABF - Associação Brasileira de Franchising (Brazilian Franchising Association).
In 2002, he joined Group Maia and served as the CEO of the João Pessoa-based Lojas Maia stores until 2010.
He led the merger of Lojas Maia with the retailer Magazine Luiza and served as the regional director of the company.
Maia also served as a government official in the capacity of the national secretary for trade and services for the ministry of industry, foreign trade and services.
He was also a member of the board of BNDESPar (The Brazilian Economic and Social Development Bank).
Focus On 'Clients And Excellence'
Commenting on his new role, Maia, said, "I am delighted to join DIA as I see a big potential in the company’s proximity approach to the customers; this challenge motivated me to lead the turnaround process. I will work hard to ensure that the business is focused on clients and excellence."
DIA Brazil operates 883 outlets with a strong market position and presence in Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo.
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
