Meikles in major shake up

Meikles in major shake up
Published: 24 June 2014
Meikles has fired one of its directors and senior manager for TM Supermarkets, Mr Bisset Chimhini, in a management shake-up that is expected to claim the scalps of two or even more directors, The Herald Business can reveal.

The dismissal of Mr Chimhini, TM chief operating officer, followed his suspension, which The Herald Business reported on May 12 and subsequent disciplinary hearing on allegations of violating procurement procedures, among other charges.

Mr Chimhini was accused of procuring alcoholic beverages from alleged unlicensed suppliers.

He was alleged to have violated the chain's procedures in the procurement of whiskey, among other charges. He procured several cases of Famous Grouse whiskey from a company known as Fly Crew Investments, which did not have a valid wholesale liquor license.

His suspension followed the premature departure of the chain's managing director Mr Dave Mills last month.

Mr Mills was sent on "pre-retirement" leave two months before his contract lapsed as Meikles effects a restructuring exercise of top management.

Sources close to the developments at Meikles said two more senior managers were due to face a disciplinary hearing for various allegations.

Meikles is also said to have let go of its company secretary of 17 years, Mr Andy-Lane Mitchell, while another senior figure Mr John Smith did not get a renewal on his contract. Sources say executive chairman Mr John Moxon delegated Retired Colonel Lionel Dyke to preside over the dismissals.

TM has been facing management challenges amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement. There were also challenges over one of the directors (name withheld); who was accused of harassing shop staff over the pet food he supplies.

Sources say the clean up was part of Meikles' strategy to reintroduce "competence and transparency" within the organisation.

In the nine months to December, turnover in TM Supermarkets was 1 percent above that of 2012 as sales and operating margins were under pressure due to declining disposable incomes.

Meikles is one of the leading retail and hospitality groups in Zimbabwe comprising TM Supermarkets, Meikles Hotels, Tanganda Tea Estate, and Thomas Meikles Stores, trading under the names of Meikles, Barbours and Greatermans.

Meikles is due to report its March finals anytime this month.
- The Herald
Tags: Meikles, TM,

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