Boxer Retail Limited has appointed long-standing executive Justin Galloway as CEO-designate, with current chief executive Marek Masojada set to retire at the end of February 2027 after more than 30 years with the discount retailer.
The planned leadership transition will see Justin Galloway formally take over as CEO at Boxer Retail Limited on 1 March 2027. Image supplied
Announced on 12 October 2026, the planned leadership transition will see Galloway formally take over as CEO on 1 March 2027, following a five-month handover period. Masojada will remain with the business until November 2027 to support the incoming CEO and executive team.
The succession forms part of the process established when Boxer listed on the JSE in November 2024. Galloway was selected following a process that considered both internal and external candidates.
His appointment comes as Boxer continues to build on its position in South Africa's value-focused grocery retail market, where maintaining a low-price proposition while expanding its store network and distribution capabilities remains central to its operating model.
From five stores to a 600-store network
Masojada joined Boxer in 1993, when the retailer operated just five stores and generated annual turnover of R120m. Over the following three decades, he helped oversee its growth into a business with a network of approximately 600 stores.
Current Boxer CEO Marek Masojada is set to retire at the end of February 2027. Image supplied
He spent 25 years as head of finance before becoming managing executive in 2019 and CEO in 2024. His tenure included the expansion of the retailer's store footprint, the development of the operational capabilities needed to support that growth, and Boxer's transition to a listed company following its JSE debut in November 2024.
The challenge for his successor will be to sustain that growth while preserving the value proposition that has underpinned Boxer's expansion.
“I am incredibly proud of how Boxer has grown, and I will retire knowing that the business is in a strong position,” says Masojada.
“Having worked alongside Justin for many years, I know Boxer will continue its momentum.”
Galloway brings finance, retail and supply chain experience
Galloway, a chartered accountant, joined Boxer in 2012 and became a member of the group executive in 2020. His career at the retailer has taken him through finance, store operations and supply chain, giving him experience across several of the functions that underpin a discount retail business.
Between 2014 and 2020, he contributed to the development of Boxer's discount format through his work in store operations. He subsequently took responsibility for supply chain, leading the development of the distribution infrastructure needed to support the retailer's expanding network.
As group executive for supply chain, Galloway has focused on scaling distribution capacity and improving operational efficiency, including navigating periods of significant disruption and change.
His appointment signals continuity in Boxer's existing operating strategy, with an internal successor who has direct experience of the retailer's commercial model and the infrastructure required to support further expansion.
“It is a privilege to be able to lead a business valued by so many South Africans,” says Galloway.
“Over the past 14 years, I have had the opportunity to work across different areas of Boxer and gain a deep understanding of our business, our customers and our people. I look forward to building on the strong foundations that have been established under Marek’s leadership.”
Phased handover to support continuity
The five-month transition between the incoming and outgoing CEOs is intended to support knowledge transfer and maintain strategic momentum. Masojada's continued involvement until November 2027 will provide additional support beyond the formal changeover.
The Boxer board said Galloway's leadership record, operational experience and understanding of the business position him to lead its next phase of growth, supported by an experienced executive team.
For Boxer, the appointment represents a planned change at the top rather than a shift in leadership direction. With its store network having expanded substantially under Masojada, the next phase will require continued investment in operations and distribution while protecting the affordability that defines its market position.
