SPAR Group appoints new president and CEO
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — SPAR Group, a supplier of retail merchandising, business technology and other marketing services in 10 countries throughout North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Christiaan Olivier as president and CEO, and a member of its board of directors, effective Sept. 5, 2017. As CEO, Olivier will be responsible for the company’s global strategy and operations.
“After an extensive search, we've selected a leader with a proven track record of success in multiple areas including international business, sales, marketing, operations, technology and M&A," stated Robert Brown, chairman SPAR Group. "Chris has extensive experience in leading large and complex global organizations, and is a very prominent, and accomplished senior executive, with extensive experience and relationships in the global retail services and solutions industry. We are confident in his ability to lead SPAR’s global mission of being a solutions provider dedicated to helping clients get more out of the store.”
“I have known and followed SPAR Group for many years and am excited to join the team as President and CEO," Olivier said. "SPAR Group has a well-earned reputation of delivering exceptional service and is well-positioned to meet the demands of retailers and consumer packaged goods companies in an ever-changing multi-channel retail environment. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities to build upon the current infrastructure to profitably grow the business and shareholder value.”
Olivier has spent more than 25 years as a retail executive. He has successfully led large global organizations bringing positive transformation in strategy, business development, sales and marketing, operations and M&A. He most recently served as president of Retail Activation at Diversified Agency Services, Omnicom Group, a $15 billion global marketing services company. Olivier also served as president of Advantage Sales and Marketing, a $1 billion consumer products sales and marketing agency; as well as CEO Smollan Group, a sales and marketing services company with operations in Africa, China, Malaysia and Brazil.
Olivier earned a BA and MBA from the University of South Africa.
“I want to acknowledge Kori Belzer, who has done a tremendous job since stepping in to fill the President and CEO role in May.” Brown added. SPAR Group’s COO. Kori Belzer, has served as interim CEO since the company’s previous chief executive, Scott Popaditch, departed in May. "Chris will be a very effective CEO, as well as a great culture fit for SPAR,” said Belzer. “Chris brings deep retail merchandising experience, and strong leadership qualities. I look forward to working with him.”