Cenomi Retail, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest retailers, has appointed Günther Helm as the new CEO.
Mr Helm will join the company on April 1 to spearhead the retailer’s continued transformation programme.
Chairman of Cenomi Retail, Fawaz Alhokair, said: “We have been looking for the ideal candidate to take on this role at a pivotal time in the company’s growth and transformation journey.
“Günther’s impressive experience and his clear leadership pedigree, together with his intrinsic understanding of the ways in which to define and grow within the competitive landscape of the multi-faceted retail sector, complement the priorities for the Cenomi Retail business. I would also like to thank Mohamad Mourad, who has been acting CEO as we undertook our search to fill this important role. As a board member and chairman of the executive committee for Cenomi Retail, Mohamad will continue to work closely with Günther as he leads the next phase in the company’s growth.”
Cenomi Retail was formed as Fawaz A. Alhokair & Co in 1990 by Fawaz, Salman and Abdulmajeed Alhokair. Launching its first store in 1991, the company operates 1,684 stores across 100 shopping malls in 11 countries, with a workforce of more than 10,500. Cenomi Retail currently represents around 85 brands, spanning womenswear, menswear, kids, department stores, shoes & accessories and cosmetics.
Mr Helm said: “Saudi Arabia’s retail sector, and economy in general, is a formidable force with vast and exciting opportunities. Cenomi Retail has an extensive and impressive history of leadership and I strongly believe in the value that we add as a brand partner, both in Saudi Arabia and the countries in which we operate internationally.
“I am confident that my experience of working in complex retail environments to deliver multicategory retail experiences to consumers will support the ambitious and existing transformation program that we are delivering at Cenomi Retail. This will be underpinned by an outstanding retail operations network, world-class supply chain management and driving company-wide cost efficiencies.”
