The appointment is effective from July 2014. Claassen (45) will work with Brett to ensure a smooth transition and handover over the ensuing months.
Kaplan has been instrumental in building Woolworths into the leading clothing and general merchandise business that it is today. In particular, he played a critical role in materially and sustainably improving the profitability of the clothing business in recent years.
Claassen is currently the chief executive of the Legit, Jetmart, Jet and the cellular division at Edcon. He has held this key position for six years and has driven the strong performance of this business over that time.
"We are excited about Christo's appointment," commented Ian Moir, Woolworths CEO. "He is a talented retailer with strong commercial acumen and an in-depth understanding of the South African clothing market. I have no doubt he will add real value to the Woolworths clothing and general merchandise business."
