David Kovačič (pictured), who currently serves as the CEO of SPAR Slovenia, has taken up additional responsibility as CEO of SPAR Croatia.
Kovačič will lead both divisions and leverage synergies between the two. However, the two business units will operate independently, the company added.
Slovenian-born Kovačič is an accomplished retail professional, having previously worked at Slovenian retailers Hofer and Tuš, and consulting firms PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte before joining SPAR in 2019.
Previously, he worked at SPAR Croatia for two years before taking over the management of SPAR Slovenia in 2021.
‘An Excellent Manager’
Paul Klotz, a member of the supervisory board of SPAR Croatia and the management board of SPAR Austria in charge of international business, commented, “Regional independence is a special advantage of SPAR that we consciously cultivate in each country. Therefore, we need to emphasise that there is no plan to merge the two national organisations.
“David Kovačič is an excellent manager whose task will be to emphasise national independence while simultaneously exploiting synergies in logistics and organisational structures.”
David Kovačič added, “I am honoured by this opportunity. SPAR Croatia is on an excellent path and has a great team. We will continue on this successful path and expand further.”
Kovačič succeeds Helmut Fenzl, who led SPAR Croatia for 20 years and oversaw its growth to a €1.2 billion revenue business with 143 stores (118 Spar supermarkets and 25 Interspar hypermarkets), securing its position as the third-largest retail chain in the country.
Konzum Bosnia and Herzegovina
Across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Darko Drežnjak has taken over as the new president of Konzum B&H, the local unit of the Croatia-based conglomerate Fortenova Group. He will be joined on the board by Slaven Grizelj.
Drežnjak returns to Konzum after previously working there between 2008 to 2017, followed by stints at Kaufland and Addiko Bank. His background combines FMCG and finance experience.
Grizelj brings over 24 years of experience in finance, FMCG, real estate, and consulting, having held leadership roles as CEO, CFO, and partner.