South African turnaround expert says no to SPAR
Seasoned company executive Phil Roux has declined a non-executive director role with SPAR, as the struggling retailer looks to update its top positions.
In an announcement published on the Stock Exchange News Service (SENS), SPAR confirmed that Roux had turned down the position offered to him.
“Shareholders are advised that Phil has confirmed in writing that he will not be accepting the offer of
appointment,” the group said.
“The Board thanks Phil for his engagement during the process and respects his decision.”
Roux is well-known for his turnaround experience, having successfully implemented reforms at both Pioneer Foods and Nampak.
Under Roux’s leadership, Pioneer Foods’ share price rose from R53 in October 2012 to a peak of R204 in September 2015, paving the way for its acquisition by PepsiCo in 2020.
While Roux has held several executive positions, he is best known for his work at Nampak, where he led another successful turnaround strategy.
He was appointed CEO of the packaging giant in April 2023, following 32 years of experience in South Africa’s executive world.
In a case study published by the University of Pretoria, Charlene Lew explained that, by the time he reached Nampak, Roux had already earned a reputation for his business acumen.
“Roux’s appointment acknowledged his credibility as a seasoned South African business leader with over 35 years of executive and non-executive leadership experience,” she said.
“His acumen as a value-creating interventionist was developed, augmented, and publicly demonstrated through successful assignments as an executive, CEO, director, or chairman of underperforming or distressed companies.”
Under Roux, Nampak’s share price has grown from 15,193 cents on 5 May 2023 to 53,000 cents at close on 12 November 2026.
The company’s turnaround is largely attributed to Roux, who, according to Lew, was reportedly described by colleagues as “a highly disciplined leader of extraordinary energy and intensity”.
C-suite changes for SPAR
While Roux turned down SPAR’s offer of a non-executive director role, the group has appointed two new members to its board.
These appointments follow the resignations of the company’s Chairman, Mike Bosman, and Deputy Chairman, Shirley Zinn, in August 2026.
“The Board thanks them both for their dedication, professionalism, and the meaningful legacy of their service, and wishes them well in their future endeavours,” SPAR said at the time.
The resignations came after both board members reportedly faced pressure from the SPAR Guild, which represents the group’s independent franchisees.
Immediately after the resignations, Lwazi Koyana was appointed interim chairman, who SPAR described as a “highly respected business leader”.
“A highly respected business leader and Chartered Accountant, Koyana brings deep expertise across finance, governance, risk and entrepreneurship,” the retailer said at the time.
In a SENS announcement on 12 November, the group confirmed that Koyana had since been permanently appointed as chairman of the board.
“Shareholders are advised that Lwazi Koyana, who has been the Acting Chairman of the Board since 17 August 2026, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board with effect from 12 November 2026,” it said.
“He brings deep institutional knowledge of SPAR and provides continuity of governance and strategic oversight to the Board.”
The retail giant also appointed Grant Pattison as an independent non-executive director, describing him as “an experienced retail and business leader with extensive executive, strategy, operational and board experience.”
Pattison was previously the CEO of Massmart and President of Walmart in South Africa, after spending 16 years with the company.
“His experience spans retail, consumer goods, strategy, business transformation, operations, supply chain, stakeholder engagement and corporate governance,” SPAR added.
The group confirmed that Pattison had accepted the appointment, which would take effect from February 2027.
“Grant has accepted the offer and has been appointed as an independent non-executive director to the Board with effect from 25 February 2027,” it said.
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