In the course of METRO’s further focus on the wholesale business, the management structure of METRO AG will be realigned towards countries and commercial functions. This was decided by the Supervisory Board of METRO in its meeting today. Consequently, Rafael Gasset, COO and member of the Management Board, will assume responsibility for the countries at Management Board level. The Germany / Austria unit will report to CEO Dr. Steffen Greubel in the Management Board. Claude Sarrailh, currently Chief Purchasing Officer, will be appointed member of the Management Board effective January 1, 2022. As Chief Customer & Merchandise Officer (CCMO) he will be responsible for the commercial functions. In addition to global procurement, these functions include the food service distribution (FSD) and the franchise concept for independent traders. The Supervisory Board has decided on the Management Board organisation to support the execution of the new strategy. Eric Poirier, COO and member of the Management Board, notwithstanding his support of the new strategy, has decided not to continue the journey with METRO due to changing roles in the Management Board. In view of the changes, Andrea Euenheim, CHRO and member of the Management Board, has regrettably decided not to renew her contract, which expires on October 31, 2022. However, she remains responsible in her current function.

The Management Board is currently developing a multi-year strategy and related targets for METRO. In this context, the holding company will be transformed into a headquarters with a stronger focus on supporting the operating business in the countries. The new strategy will be communicated at a Capital Markets Day on January 26, 2022.

"We have established the leadership team for METRO’s growth strategy for the coming years. With the realignment of the Management Board, we are moving the core business with all its aspects to the center of our work. Thus, the Management Board is well positioned for our future tasks", said Dr. Steffen Greubel, CEO of METRO AG.

"The Supervisory Board supports our CEO in his objective to now consistently focus METRO on growth. With Dr. Steffen Greubel, Rafael Gasset and Claude Sarrailh, the Management Board team now combines wholesale competence together with the financial expertise of Christian Baier and the HR know-how of Andrea Euenheim. We wish the new Management Board every success. Eric Poirier has significantly contributed to METRO in the last 21 years, combining his international business and financial experience in retail and wholesale operations. The Supervisory Board acknowledges his decision, is grateful for his contribution and wishes him a lot of success for the future," said Jürgen Steinemann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of METRO AG.