Pick n Pay has chosen Woolworths executive Spencer Sonn to become its next chief executive, setting up a leadership transition at the South African retailer as it continues efforts to restore the business to sustainable profitability.

Sonn, currently Woolworths’ chief customer officer, will join Pick n Pay as CEO-designate in February 2027.

He will work alongside current CEO Sean Summers during the transition, with Summers’ contract running until May 2028.

The extended handover is designed to give Sonn time to settle into the leadership role while working with Summers on Pick n Pay’s turnaround strategy, the retailer said.

Sonn brings 26 years of Woolworths retail experience

Sonn brings 26 years of experience at Woolworths South Africa to Pick n Pay, including five years as managing director of the company’s Food Division.

Pick n Pay described the Food Division as being at the heart of Woolworths’ success and growth and said Sonn’s experience in management roles abroad would also be valuable as he moves into the top job.

Sonn has held several senior positions at Woolworths and has been chief customer officer since April 2025.

His move places an experienced food and retail executive at the center of Pick n Pay’s next phase of its turnaround.

“Spencer will work closely with current Chief Executive Officer, Sean Summers, as part of a planned and orderly leadership transition,” Pick n Pay said, adding that the arrangement would support continuity and execution of its strategy.

Pick n Pay prepares for leadership change

Summers returned to the Pick n Pay CEO role in 2023, having previously led the retailer from 1999 to 2006.

His latest appointment came as Pick n Pay was confronting severe financial pressure and pursuing a turnaround after the group became technically insolvent.

The retailer has continued to face profitability challenges and is currently in discussions over store closures and potential retrenchments as it works to reshape the business.

Summers said identifying the right successor was important and highlighted Sonn’s connection with Pick n Pay’s founding values and principles.

Sonn said the appointment represented an exciting opportunity and that he looked forward to working with Summers as the company continues its turnaround.

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

Sonn is expected to succeed Summers as Pick n Pay CEO when the current chief executive’s contract expires in May 2028.