Grab Vietnam names Alejandro Osorio as its new MD
By Tong Van
Former MD at Grab Thailand, Alejandro Osorio, has taken on a new role as MD at Grab Vietnam, overseeing overall business operations and the development of the Vietnam business.
Osorio has served at the Southeast Asian super-app rideshare and delivery services for five years. He was appointed as MD of Grab Thailand in 2020. Before Grab, he held several roles at Brightstar Corp Hong Kong and SoftBank. Earlier this month, the company announced executive director Worachat Luxkanalode will take over the role of MD at Grab Thailand.
“Alejandro’s experience in building up business strategy on a regional scale and developing high-performing local teams makes him the right leader for the next phase of growth for Grab in Vietnam,” said Russel Cohen, group operations director at Grab.
“His strong track record in driving Grab Thailand to emerge even stronger post the Covid-19 pandemic will enable him to truly understand the strategy and execution needed to extend Grab’s leadership positions across all on-demand segments in Vietnam, while simultaneously giving back to the local communities.”
The appointment came after Grab Vietnam’s former MD, Nguyen Thai Hai Van, departed the company earlier this year to pursue “a new career opportunity”.
Last month, the company said it expected revenue for this year between US$1.32 billion and $1.35 billion for the full year.
Officeworks appoints Nikala Busse to new CIO position
By Heather McIlvaine
Nikala Busse has been named chief information officer at Officeworks, where she will lead the retailer’s technology team and ongoing digital innovation in the newly created role.
She joins Officeworks with a wealth of experience leading IT teams to deliver transformation and innovation projects, including at Coles, where she held several senior positions focusing on improving customer and team member experience, increasing sales and reducing the cost of doing business.
Officeworks’ managing director Sarah Hunter said she was delighted to welcome Busse to the business at what is a very exciting time for the business and its growing technology team.
“Nikala has successfully designed and led digital transformation projects for large, complex, consumer-facing organisations to address future business needs and will play an important role in helping us make bigger things happen for our team and customers with strategic growth initiatives,” Hunter said.
To support Officeworks’ growth ambitions, the retailer is investing to attract and retain Australia’s leading technology talent.
Eshan Dissanayake has also joined Officeworks recently as head of IT security risk and compliance, reporting into the CIO. Dissanayake has significant experience in cyber security, most recently leading the Coles Group’s information security function.
Best & Less CEO Rodney Orrock extends his medical leave
By Irene Dong
CEO of Best & Less, Rodney Orrock, will extend his medical leave for an additional two months, following the announcement of his three-month leave in September.
The company said Orrock is not yet ready to resume his duties as CEO, even though his therapy is going well. As Orrock’s return remains uncertain, Best & Less has started an external search process for a permanent CEO. In the interim, Jason Murray will remain as executive chair.
“After almost three months in the role, my feet are firmly under the desk, and I continue to be impressed by the focus and commitment of our team,” said Murray.
Murray was the group’s MD from 2012 to 2018 and from 2019 to 2021. Prior to joining Best & Less, he served as CEO and MD of Just Group.
Best & Less says it will provide further updates to the market once details of Orrock’s return are known, or when its first-half results are announced in February.
