SPAR hires head of international buying
SPAR International has appointed Wouter Lefevere as head of international buying.
Based at SPAR’s international head office in Amsterdam, Lefevere’s remit will include key buying responsibilities including supplier relationships and negotiations as the brand looks to build its international scale and presence.
With 12,545 stores in 44 countries, SPAR recently reported sales of €33.1 billion for 2016.
SPAR said Lefevere has a wealth of international buying experience gained from working in senior buying and commercial development roles for Lidl in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Tobias Wasmuht, managing director of SPAR International, said: “Buying better together internationally is a key pillar of the scope of services provided to our partners, and the appointment of Wouter signals our intention to further enhance this scope.
“Today we collaborate with our supplier partners on behalf of our SPAR partners in 44 countries across four continents. As a result, we have a uniquely strong global network which, not only allows us to source better by leveraging our international scale, but also to provide extensive market access opportunities for our international suppliers.”
