Lou Jardin, the CEO of IGA Distribution, a division of Metcash, is to leave the company and be replaced by Silvestro Morabito on 1 March 2010.

Morabito has more than 30 years experience in grocery retailing, including Safeway, and a family background of fresh produce retailing and marketing. 

In 2005 he was appointed by Metcash as CEO of Action Supermarkets and oversaw the sale of the supermarkets to independent retailers, the consolidation of the FAL retail brands and the introduction of the IGA brand to Western Australian consumers. 

He was then appointed general manager, WA, IGA Distribution and has managed the successful growth of the business and its customers.    

In his role as CEO of IGA, Jardin oversaw the development of a world class distribution network and gains in the development of a comprehensive merchandise and marketing program that allowed the independents to compete against the dominant chains.   

The successful integration of the Foodland business into IGA was also under his stewardship.