Leon de Lange

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in retail, logistics, and business development. Proven ability to drive operational efficiency, business growth, and innovative solutions across diverse retail formats and geographies.

Regional and National Athlete accomplishment of Provincial colors in Various sports including, Rugby, Amateur Wrestling, Duathlon and Tri-Athlon Strategic Commercial Manager possessing solid knowledge of performance reporting and financial and budgeting processes. Bringing 30-year background developing and implementing commercial strategies, conducting market research and analysis and coordinating with diverse teams. Confident communicator comfortable managing high volume of work.

• Trainee Manager, 1987 - 1989, Operational management, industrial relations, recruitment, and staff development
• Store Manager, 1989 - 1991, Operational management, industrial relations, recruitment, and staff development
• Regional Manager Bakeries Northern Region, 1991 - 1992, Operational management, buying, recruitment, and training
• Fresh Foods Buyer Northern Region, 1992 - 1993, Operational management, marketing, buying, recruitment, and training
• Perishables Buyer Northern Region, 1993 - 1994, Buying and marketing of perishables products
• Groceries Buyer Northern Region, 1994 - 1996, Buying function of groceries products, budgeting, and forecasting
• Regional Manager Northern Region, 1996 - 1998, Operational management of stores, staff recruitment and development, budgeting
• National Logistics and Fulfillment Manager PnP Online Shopping, 1998 - 2001, Operational management of fulfillment centers, logistics, staff management
• Director (GM) Online Shopping PnP, 2001 - 2003, Operational management of Online shopping, Logistics, HR management, budgeting
• National Operations Director Score Supermarkets SA and Neighboring Countries, 2003 - 2007, Operational management of Score supermarket group, board of directors
• National Operations Director PnP Clothing, 2007 - 2008, Operational management of PnP clothing stores
• Family Store Owner, 2008 - 2016, Director and owner of Pick n Pay Family Supermarket Stores
• National Commercial Manager – Pick n Pay Namibia, 07/2015 - Present, Overseeing all aspects of Buying, Category Management, Space Planning, and Marketing for operations in Namibia. Improved commercial alignment with market demands, optimizing inventory and increasing sales and profit margins by double digits. Successfully launched the Smart Shopper Loyalty Program in Namibia and developed innovative marketing tools, including a WhatsApp-based customer engagement platform in partnership with a local media company. Spearheaded the redevelopment of Pick n Pay's online shopping platform for Namibia and implemented a cross-border fresh logistics solution to enhance supply chain efficiency. Developed a comprehensive Vendor Relationship Management tool to monitor and improve stakeholder performance based on key performance indicators.
• Head of Market Stores – Pick n Pay Emerging Markets, 2019 - 2022, Led the strategic development and implementation of small-format supermarkets in emerging markets. Established and nurtured strategic partnerships, while also developing franchise models to expand market reach. Played a key role in securing funding and optimizing operational processes, logistics solutions, and training programs for store teams.
• National B2B Manager – Pick n Pay Group, 2016 - 2019, Led the development and implementation of a B2B strategy, encompassing customer propositions, range selection, logistics, and customer relationship management. Contributed over 30% of the Group's total online sales by driving the success of the B2B segment. Launched a dedicated wholesale business that generated over R1 billion in revenue across 8 nationwide locations.

• Progress Award
• General Manager's Awards (twice)
• Divisional Golden Ray Award (twice)
• Merit Award for New Innovations

I Completed 

Numerous 70.3 distance races, 

Long Distance Du-Athlon's 

Completed Challenge Roth - Full distance Tri Athlon

Represented South African at Long Distance Du-Athlon at Zofingen

 Competing at Ironman World Champs 70.3 Tapau i