MEA 2017 South Africa Awards

MEAMARKETS / APRIL 2017 17 , Super Group is a leading transport logistics andmobility group listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). We caught up with CEO PeterMountford to find out more about the firmand the services it offers. Best Supply Chain Management Business 2017 Founded in 1986, Super Group provides end-to-end supply chain solutions, fleet management and dealership services to a diversified global customer base. Super Group is an integrated “mobility” business comprising of three distinct divisions, namely Supply Chain, Fleet Solutions and Dealerships. Super Group’s supply chain division provides a platform for the group’s core expertise and offerings. This expertise is applied into vertically integrated divisions covering vehicle dealerships and fleet management. The businesses focus on offering a comprehensive range of services, utilising connective technologies and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Peter discusses the group’s service offering in more detail. “Super Group is essentially a supply chain mobility company revolving around the optimisation of supply chain processes and vehicle fleets with a strong IT focus and technology underpin. Our business encompasses the planning and management of all activities across the supply chain from the sourcing, procurement, transport, warehousing and distribution of goods and services. This is made possible through coordination and collaboration with our valued channel partners; being suppliers, intermediaries, third-party service providers or customers. In essence, Super Group integrates supply and demand management within and across companies.” The strategic vision for Super Group is to provide end-to-end supply chain solutions, fleet management and dealership services to a diversified customer base in Africa, Australia, New Zealand the United Kingdom and Europe and to become a leading transport logistics and mobility group in the countries in which it operates. Super Group’s position as an innovative, integrated mobility solutions company is compelling and the Group is committed to the growth of its core businesses, both organically and through strategic and focused acquisition opportunities, locally and internationally. Much of this growth has been supported by Peter himself, as he has worked hard, alongside his team, to achieve excellence for the group since he became CEO seven years ago. He talks us through how the group has grown since he joined and the techniques he implemented in order to ensure that the Super Group supported its clients and achieved excellence for both them and itself. “When I was appointed CEO of Super Group in July 2009, the company was facing major challenges with significant borrowings and some seriously underperforming businesses. Despite this, I believed in the strength of the underlying businesses as well as the strong management team and entrepreneurial culture that existed within Super Group. We had a clear strategy to sell underperforming assets, optimise cost structures, focus on our core business whilst regenerating the supply chain business; and I really believed we had the right management in many of our SA17008 divisions, and we still do have those individuals today. “In the restructuring process and implementation of the turnaround strategy, I was ably supported by the executive management team of Super Group and the board of directors and this award would not have been possible without their support as well as the commitment of all who work at Super Group.” Alongside a focus on employing a strong team, Peter is also mindful of the need for technology which enables it to remain at the forefront of the latest market developments to better support its clients. “At Super Group, we believe that an investment in technology is more than just implementing the solution. We work with our clients to identify goals, measure results and continue to provide ongoing service to ensure that tangible value is realised. We provide custom solutions that are scalable to any industry and any supply chain environment with the key focus on delivering profits and enhancing competitive advantage.” Having made a mark on the South African market, moving forward the group’s focus is firmly on expanding geographically into exciting new regions, as Peter concludes. “Looking ahead, Super Group are expecting the countries in which we operate to show low levels of domestic growth due to political and economic uncertainties. A number of European countries are facing an election year and the decision by the United Kingdom to exit from the European Union has also dampened the outlook, pending Brexit resolution. The Australian economy is also facing some challenges with weak commodity prices and modest Chinese growth projections. “Nevertheless, we are cautiously optimistic regarding growth prospects across the group’s businesses and believe that the group’s strategy of being an innovative, integrated mobility solutions company is resolute. We will continue to strive to be the service provider of choice in all of our various businesses, while at the same time identifying acquisition opportunities that are complementary to our core businesses.” Contact: Peter Mountford Contact Email: [email protected] Address: 27 Impala Road, Chislehurston, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2146, South Africa Telephone: 0027 11 523 4000 Web Address: www.supergroup.co.za