FairPrice Group will be appointing Pizza Hut International President Vipul Chawla to be the social enterprise’s next Group CEO come 5 April 2022.
FairPrice Group made the announcement on 17 February 2022.
Mr Vipul will succeed Seah Kian Peng, who currently holds dual positions as the group CEO of both FairPrice Group and NTUC Enterprise.
Mr Seah will continue to lead as the group CEO of NTUC Enterprise. He will also be appointed as the Deputy Chairman of FairPrice Group, and Chairman of FairPrice Foundation.
He said: “It has been a privilege to serve and lead FairPrice Group. I thank Chairman and the Board for their counsel and guidance, as well as to all my colleagues over the last 22 years for your strong support, commitment and passion.
“While we have achieved much together, the journey is far from over. There are new heights and challenges ahead for us to scale and overcome. I ask the team to render your commitment and support to Vipul as you have given me, in the new horizon.”
NTUC Enterprise Chairman Lim Boon Heng said that he is confident that Mr Seah will continue to contribute to the enterprise’s growth and development with the same dedication and drive he has shown in transforming FairPrice.
“He has established a cohesive management team and developed a strong framework for business continuity and social impact,” he shared.
Mr Vipul has held leadership roles in Fortune 500 companies as well as within the food services industry.
In his capacity as President of Pizza Hut International, he oversaw global markets that spanned more than 100 countries, with an annual revenue of around US$7.5 billion.
Not a stranger to business transformations, he successfully navigated Pizza Hut International through the pandemic. He has also worked together with the Labour Movement, having been a part of NTUC’s “U Circle of Friends” to promote our country’s own local talent.
He a strong advocate of value-driven culture; one that is built on recognition and a belief in people. Mr Vipul is excited to help further transform FPG, as well as to uphold the enterprise on its social mission and work to help uplift the lives of workers.
He said: “I am humbled and honoured to join FairPrice Group and be given the opportunity to participate in the growth and transformation journey of a Singapore icon. I am excited to build on the great work done by this world class leadership team, and such a visionary board!
“I hope my experience will enable me to support FairPrice Group to reach its full potential, and at the same time, give back to the community as we continue to uphold our social mission, which I have personally found hugely inspiring.”
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng was said he was heartened to see Mr Vipul’s strong desire to bring FairPrice Group to new heights. He believes that with Mr Vipul’s contributions, the Labour Movement will be able to better serve its members and customers.
He said: “I look forward to him continuing to drive our social mission with initiatives that help to moderate the cost of living for our workers and their families.”
FairPrice Group Board Chairman Bobby Chin said that an organisation’s success requires strong focus and purposeful planning to ensure leadership continuity. This needs to be complemented by diverse talents to strengthen the management bench strength.
“We identified Vipul as the best person for the job and his strengths will augment the leadership team. I am confident that he will build on our legacy and propel our ambitions for the group,” he shared.
