Tony Maher

Biography

Tony Maher, one of Russia's leading business figures is stepping down from his role as CEO of one of the countries largest retail chains. Mr Maher (57), who is originally from Faha, has been CEO and Chairman of Russian retail chain O'Key since January 2014. Last month he announced that he is to step down as CEO of the chain, which operates 113 stores in 29 cities across Russia and employs more than 23,000 people, to focus on his role as Chairman. Appointed to lead O'Key's expansion in the Russian market Mr Maher's time as CEO of O'Key saw the chain grow its sale by nine per cent in 2014 with profits increasing by 5ive per cent. The chain has also expanded into budget retail and is opening 20 discount stores across Russia this year. This growth under Mr Maher's leadership followed a period in which the O'Key group, while always successful had seen its growth stagnate with its plans fro expansion stalling in difficult trading conditions. Tony Maher has been a leading figure in Russian business for over a decade previously heading up Russian dairy and food giant Wimm Bill Dann. Mr Maher was chief executive Wimm-Bill-Dann (WBD) between 2006 and 2011. WBD was the first Russian company to sell branded goods.Mr Maher souped up its marketing and the business was sold in 2011 to Pepsi for $5.8bn. Mr Maher was instrumental in negotiating the deal with Pepsi. During his career Tony Maher has worked in a variety of senior roles in Western, Central and Eastern European markets within the Coca-Cola system.

Research Interest

food and nutrition