In a move to strengthen Kalahari.com’s , market leadership in the region, the South African online retailer said to be biggest in the country has hired a former eBay GM as CEO.
The newly appointed Caren Genthner-Kappesz, from Berlin was former eBay GM for shopping.com Germany for nine years, was Director and GM eBay Express Germany and was a COO at brands4friends Germany, another eBay subsidiary.
The Maths PhD holder will be taking over from Gary Novitzkas.
Speaking about her appointment, Genthner-Kappesz said: “I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to take kalahari.com to the next stage of its development. My goal for kalahari.com is not only to stay the clear market leader in South Africa but also to continue to be a pioneer and thought leader in the industry.”
She said that Kalahari SA will aim at changing through use of online and mobile shopping and praised the spread of broadband which is a core to any online activity even though it was slightly expensive than in other parts of the world. She promised convenience through quick delivery and great products at competitive prices.
CEO of MIH Internet South Africa, Kalahari.com’s parent company Bill Paladino, sees the appointment of Genthner-Kappesz’ as a timely and crucial appointment for Kalahari.com.
Paladino said:“I am very pleased we have found such a strong leader to steer the reins at kalahari.com. With her knowledge and experience Genthner-Kappesz is the perfect fit to lead kalahari.com to greater heights.”
