Edcon will again be under the leadership of a South African in 2018, when Bernie Brookes steps down as CEO to make way for former Massmart top man Grant Pattison. Pattison would take the role of chief operating officer and CEO designate on June 5, ahead of the CEO position in 2018, Edcon said on Thursday. “I’m not going to be naive and say that this job won’t come with challenges,” Pattison said on Thursday. “But someone has to step up to the plate. “The challenge of restoring Edcon to its former glory is a privilege. Opportunities like this don’t come along often.” Pattison’s appointment puts local talent back in charge of SA’s largest nonfood retailer following stints by American Stephen Ross, German national Jürgen Schreiber and Australian-born Brookes. Brookes was appointed on a two-year contract. He steered the debt-to-equity deal that saw Edcon come under the control of its creditors. Pattison has the challenge of revitalising the CNA brand, extending Edcon’s footprint in the ...

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