Pick n Pay poaches Woolworths executive as next CEO

Pick n Pay has appointed Woolworths Chief Customer Officer Spencer Sonn as its CEO-designate, with a planned leadership transition that will eventually see him succeed current chief executive Sean Summers.

Sonn will join Pick n Pay as CEO-designate in February 2027, giving him more than a year to work alongside Summers before taking over as chief executive.

Summers’ current contract expires in May 2028, when Sonn is expected to formally succeed him.

Pick n Pay said the leadership transition had been carefully planned to ensure continuity as the retailer continues implementing its turnaround strategy.

“Spencer will work closely with current Chief Executive Officer, Sean Summers, as part of a planned and orderly leadership transition that will support continuity and the continued execution of the Group’s strategy,” the company said.

Sonn brings Woolworths experience

Sonn has spent 26 years at Woolworths South Africa, holding several senior executive positions during his career.

He previously served as managing director of Woolworths’ Food division for five years and has been the retailer’s Chief Customer Officer since April 2025.

Pick n Pay described Sonn as an experienced retail executive, highlighting his leadership experience both in South Africa and internationally.

The retailer said his international management experience would also bring additional value as the company works through its turnaround.

Sonn said he was excited about the opportunity and looked forward to working alongside Summers.

“I am looking forward to playing my part in continuing the turnaround and being part of the family,” he said.

Summers to remain until 2028

Summers returned to the Pick n Pay CEO role in 2023, having previously served as chief executive between 1999 and 2006.

His return came as Pick n Pay embarked on a major turnaround programme amid significant financial challenges.

The retailer has struggled to return to sustained profitability and is currently considering measures including store closures and potential retrenchments as part of efforts to improve the group’s financial position.

Summers said identifying an appropriate successor was important to him as he prepares to eventually leave the role.

He also welcomed Sonn’s appointment, noting that the incoming CEO had expressed admiration for the values and founding principles on which Pick n Pay was established.

Said Pick n Pay CEO Sean Summers: “Throughout our engagements, Spencer has expressed enormous admiration for the values and founding principles that Pick n Pay was built on.  He considers it a privilege to be joining a brand, a business and a team that plays such a vital role in the lives of millions of South Africans.

“We are in the very fortunate position of being able to appoint a highly skilled executive of Spencer’s calibre. In his previous positions he demonstrated his outstanding talent as a leader and was the architect of much of his previous company’s food retailing success. He is an exceptionally worthy leader for Pick n Pay.”

‘Ample time’

Pick n Pay said Sonn’s appointment as CEO-designate in February 2027 would give him “ample time” to settle into the executive leadership role while working closely with Summers on the turnaround.

The planned transition is intended to provide continuity as Pick n Pay continues its efforts to reshape the business and strengthen its position in South Africa’s highly competitive grocery market.

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