Pippo Cannillo has a proven track record of being a successful top manager and was recently recognised among the 100 Best Italian managers by Forbes Italy. Besides driving Maiora’s growth and expansion in Central and Southern Italy, he has also served as President of the buying organisation DESPAR Servizi since 2015. Since December 2020, he has also held the position of President of Forum, a major buying group created from four major buying organisations in Italian food retail: Crai Secom, C3, DESPAR Servizi and D.It-Distribuzione Italiana.
The SPAR International Board provides strategic leadership to the international SPAR organisation with a presence in 48 countries. Working together with SPAR International, the Board members drive the strategic direction for the brand globally.
Besides Pippo Cannillo, the Board is made up of Graham O’Connor (Chairman, South Africa), Fritz Poppmeier (Austria), John van der Ent (Netherlands), Knut Johannson (Norway), Dominic Hall (United Kingdom), as well as Tobias Wasmuht and David Moore (SPAR International).
“I am proud to welcome this important appointment to this prestigious international organisation. I am committed to conveying the values that have marked the history of SPAR International with even greater enthusiasm, both within Maiora and in the communities we serve”, said Pippo Cannillo.
Pippo Cannillo replaces Paul Klotz, Chairman of the Board of DESPAR Italy, as Board member. The Board wishes to thank Paul Klotz for his dedication and service within the SPAR International Board and for contributing to helping grow the brand internationally.
Source: DESPAR Centro Sud
Read more about SPAR in Italy
About SPAR Italy
SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s licence in 1959. The first store opened in 1960, making SPAR the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.
The DESPAR consortium operates stores under three formats: DESPAR neighbourhood supermarkets, EUROSPAR Supermarkets, and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. Many of the larger format stores are company-owned, reflecting the scale of investment required. The independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets are a vital part of the organisation’s strategy to bring a high-quality, tailored grocery offering to communities.
