French retailer Carrefour has appointed a new executive director for its operations in China and Taiwan.

Thierry Garnier, executive director for Carrefour’s “growth markets,” will replace Eric Legros, who has been appointed executive director in charge of group merchandise, a newly created position on the company’s executive board. 

Garnier will formally take the new role in April after a transition period starting in January.

Carrefour is currently fourth in China for sales through hypermarkets, with a market share of 8.1%.

He occupied several management roles within Carrefour’s hypermarkets business in France before being appointed executive director in charge of its operations in south-east Asia, Europe, India and the retailer’s international partnerships in January 2008.

Garnier’s successor as executive director of Carrefour’s growth markets is Pierre Bouchut, who moves from his position as CFO.