Russian food retailer O’Key Group has appointed Tony Denis Maher as its new chief executive officer.

Maher will replace Patrick Longuet, who has served as the company’s chief executive officer since 2007. Longuet will continue to assume the role of advisor to the board of directors.

“I was happy to lead the company for the past seven years and participate in its growth. During that time, the company has multiplied in size, extended its presence to new regions and successfully listed its shares on the London stock exchange,” Longuet said.

Maher has served in a variety of senior roles in the food and beverage sector over the last 30 years. Most recently he was chief executive officer of Wimm-Bill-Dann. He oversaw the sale of the company to PepsiCo in a transaction that valued the group at US$5.8bn.

“I am delighted to be taking on the position of CEO in O’Key at such an exciting time for the retail industry” said Maher.