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| Caren Genthner-Kappesz, CEO Kalahari.com |
Naspers’ Kalahari.com now has a new CEO. She is Caren Genthner-Kappesz and She joins the South African eCommerce Giant from eBay, being General Manager for shopping.com Germany and as a Director and GM for eBay Express Germany. She takes over from Gary Novitzkas.
Caren, who relocated to Cape Town from Berlin, brings with her a wealth of experience in online shopping and in the high-tech industry. She holds a PhD in Maths.
Genthner-Kappesz has consulted for BCG, a leading global strategy consultancy, and co-founded a consulting company focused on high-tech and start-up businesses later acquired by Sapient. She has received the “Career of the year 2007” award, the most prestigious prize for excellent next-generation managers in the German business landscape, from the Handelsblatt, a leading German business newspaper.
Bill Paladino, CEO of MIH Internet South Africa believes that Genthner-Kappesz’ appointment as crucial for the future of South Africa’s biggest online retailer, “I am very pleased we have found such a strong leader to steer the reins at kalahari.com. With her knowledge and experience Genthner-Kappesz is the perfect fit to lead kalahari.com to greater heights.”
“I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to take kalahari.com to the nex stage of its development,” says Genthner-Kappesz. “My goal for kalahari.com is not only to stay the clear market leader in South Africa but also to continue to be a pioneer and thought leader in the industry,” she continues.
Genthner-Kappesz believes that South Africa has made significant progress over the past few years in terms of broadband access, but more still needs to be done in order for the country to compete with the rest of the world in the online shopping space.
“Although broadband access is still slightly more expensive compared to other parts of the world, South Africa is not far behind. I really believe that online and mobile shopping are changing people’s lives for the best and with kalahari.com. We want to continue driving that change in South Africa,” she says. “Especially with the significant rise of mobile in South Africa, we will put a great focus in bringing the best shopping experience to our customers and give them the opportunity to shop however they want – be it online, on a tablet or on a smartphone”.
“I look forward to supporting the great work driven by a fantastic team with my experience in managing change and driving progress. I really believe we have a unique opportunity to take the growth of this company to the eCommerce stratosphere,’’ concludes Genthner-Kappesz.
