Tobias Wasmuht, CEO of SPAR International, is the new President of Independent Retail Europe
Independent Retail Europe is pleased to announce the election of Tobias Wasmuht (CEO SPAR International) as its new President, following the General Assembly in Bucharest, hosted by Romanian member ACDBR. Tobias Wasmuht succeeds Thomas Nonn (REWE Group), who has served as President for two mandates since 2019 and will continue to contribute to the association in the role of Vice-President.
Reflecting on his tenure, Thomas Nonn commented: “It has been a real pleasure and an honour to be President of Independent Retail Europe for several years. Together we have developed and enlarged the association, extended our network and visibility, and have been very active on many legislative issues. With Covid and the large amount of new EU legislation we have faced many challenges during my presidency, but we can proudly look back on many achievements. In a vital association as ours, it is important, that also other members get the chance to lead this association, which is why I have decided to step down after two mandates. I would sincerely like to thank Else Groen (Director General) and her entire team for their hard work, tireless dedication, support, and great collaboration over the last years, as well as all my colleagues on the Board. I am very pleased that Tobias is taking over the presidency. I wish him all the best and look forward to continuing working with him and the rest of the Board and team as Vice-President.”
On the occasion of the annual General Assembly when speaking about his objectives for his presidency, Tobias Wasmuht emphasised the importance he places on strengthening collaboration between SMEs of independent retailers and agricultural producers with a view to enhancing unity and supporting family-owned businesses. He said that Independent Retail Europe has a strong network which will continue to be leveraged to increase the members’ share of voice across Europe and support the needs of family-owned businesses and the communities they support. During an official ceremony, Tobias thanked Thomas for his superb leadership throughout his six-year presidency and referenced the recently launched Manifesto which reflects his vision for the organisation. Tobias added that Thomas had supported a smooth transition, and he looks forward to continuing to work together in advancing the interests of independent retail.
Tobias Wasmuht has been growing and developing SPAR’s international presence for 25 years and has been the CEO of SPAR International since January 2016. Upon joining SPAR International in 2000, he was responsible for the international retail and marketing strategy of the SPAR brand. In this role, he implemented new worldwide SPAR retail formats and concept innovations as well as leading SPAR brand and marketing development worldwide.
In 2004, he led the launch of the SPAR brand in China and thereafter the development and growth of the SPAR retail network in Asia. Having dedicated 10 years to growing SPAR in China and thereafter in Asia, Tobias returned to Europe in 2016 to lead SPAR internationally as CEO and work closely with SPAR country organisations worldwide to implement a strategy of growth entitled “Better Together”, which has seen the SPAR brand presence grow at end 2023 to 13.900 stores with global sales of 47,1 billion euros across 4 continents in 48 countries worldwide. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of Independent Retail Europe, Tobias also serves on the boards of FMI, the Food Industry Association, and the global Consumer Goods Forum, contributing to the advancements of independent food retailers internationally.