Westfalia Fruit Group has announced the appointment of Chris Bush, former Tesco UK boss, as the new group CEO.
- Chris Bush, with extensive experience in grocery retail, will succeed acting CEO Rian du Toit, who returns to the CFO role.
- Bush’s career spans nearly four decades, including roles as divisional CEO for DFI Retail Group in Southeast Asia.
- Bush was previously involved in a legal case with Tesco, cleared of fraud charges in 2018 regarding a £250m accounting scandal.
- Westfalia Fruit Group is renowned for its dedication to innovation, product quality, and sustainability.
Westfalia Fruit Group, a prominent player in the global fruit industry, has appointed Chris Bush as its new group CEO. Bush, who steps into the role following Rian du Toit’s tenure as acting CEO, brings a wealth of experience from his extensive career in grocery retail. Du Toit will resume his responsibilities as Group CFO, ensuring continuity in financial management.
Bush’s impressive legacy includes a significant period with Tesco, where he served in various leadership roles, including the position of CEO for Tesco Thailand. After leaving Tesco, he became the divisional CEO at DFI Retail Group in Southeast Asia, overseeing operations across 1,500 stores in seven countries. His strategic prowess and operational effectiveness are highly valued by Westfalia Group.
A significant chapter of Bush’s career involved his legal entanglements with Tesco, relating to a £250 million accounting scandal. In 2018, a judge dismissed the charges against him due to insufficient evidence, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey.
Bush expressed his enthusiasm for joining Westfalia, a company he recognises for its commitment to innovation and quality. He is backed by the confidence of Dr Khotso Mokhele, chairman of Hans Merensky Holdings and Westfalia Fruit Group, who praised Bush’s strategic capabilities and retail experience as central to his appointment.
Westfalia Fruit, with its operations spanning 17 countries and five continents, remains a dominant force in the avocado market, supplying a wide range of fresh produce, avocado oil, and other products. The company’s 75-year legacy is built on a foundation of sustainability and quality, aligning with Bush’s professional ethos.
This strategic appointment marks a significant step in Westfalia Fruit’s continued commitment to excellence and global market leadership.
