Takealot chair and former CEO leaves

Takealot Group has announced the departure of Mamongae Mahlare as executive chairperson of the e-commerce giant, effective end of December 2024.

Mahlare joined Takealot from Illovo Sugar South Africa in October 2021. She previously held positions at Coca-Cola, SABMiller, and Unilever.

She was initially appointed as group chief executive officer (CEO), replacing Kim Reid, who had been CEO since Takealot’s founding in 2011.

Reid who was moved to the position of Takealot Group chairman.

Mahlare was tasked with guiding the Takealot Group, which included Takealot.com, Superbalist, and Mr D, through the final stages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Takealot said it achieved significant milestones under Mahlare’s leadership, despite challenging economic conditions.

Mahlare was shuffled out of her CEO position and replaced by Frederik Zietsman in February 2024.

Zietsman had been with Takealot since 2015, starting out as profitability analyst before being promoted to marketplace head in 2017 and Takealot.com CEO in March 2021.

Takealot said the change formed part of the consolidation of the Takealot.com and Group CEO roles.

“The streamlining of the leadership between the group and Takealot.com will reinforce resources around its flagship online retail and marketplace platform and bring stronger alignment and focus in delivering on its key growth objectives,” Takealot stated.

Mahlare was moved to the role of executive chairperson, while Reid remained on the board as a “strategic advisor.”

The company thanked Mahlare for her contributions to the company and wished her all the best in her future endeavours.

“Mamongae has been an instrumental part of the Takealot Group’s recent success, and we are grateful for her leadership,” said Zietsman.

Mahlare said it was a privilege to work with “some of the most talented and dedicated individuals” who helped achieve “remarkable milestones and navigated numerous challenges”.

“I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished at Takealot Group and I am confident that the group will continue to thrive under Frederik’s leadership,” Mahlare said.

“I am excited to see what the future holds for this great company.”

Takealot did not confirm who would succeed Mahlare.