Kappé restructures following retail shake-up

?Kappé International has announced a new company structure and several key personnel appointments, following the departure of directors Cees Bosman and Johan Meiring earlier this week.

Kappé's international operations have been divided into five distinct business units: Kappé Nederland, Kappé Distribution, Kappé Logistics, AsianKape and the Re-Base group which offers Internet services.

Meanwhile, president Jacques Parson and vice-president Rob Bosman have appointed Michael Jermy to the post of vice-president of business development. Jermy will also join Kappé's board of directors.

Further new appointments include Helen Bader as interim manager retail and Marius Kwakkel as interim manager finance (replacing Cees Bosman and Meiring). Bader joined the company in January 2000 and has been responsible for sales and purchasing in the fragrances category. She was also responsible for AsianKape's development of the tax-free shopping centre at Langkawi Oriental Village, Malaysia.

When announcing the changes, Kappé's board emphasised that the new structure would help clarify the company's functions. Parson also commented on the importance of Jermy's appointment, who is currently owner and managing director of the Retail Business Forum Group of Companies. Parson said: "Michael has been involved with Kappé for many years assisting us with business development opportunities all over the world. We both felt a closer association would be very beneficial to Kappé International." 

Jermy commented: "I am delighted to be working with Jacques, Rob and the team and look forward to developing the company's business portfolio. I will still be involved with RBF, however the design side of the company will now operate under the direction of Peter Farmer."