Second time around: Pick n Pay sticking to strategy of appointing an offshore CEO

For years Pick n Pay was known as a "family" business that would either employ family members in top management or look internally. The appointment of Richard Brasher in 2013 was the first time the retailer had opted for an external appointment.

Brasher, a former executive at UK retail giant Tesco, has been credited with turning around the retailer because he was brought in at a time when Pick n Pay was losing market share to rivals, Shoprite, Spar and Woolworths Food.

The time has come for the 56-year-old to retire and Pick n Pay has already chosen a successor.