2020 CEO Survey: Jeff Adams, Metcash

Digital progress will improve the competitiveness of independent retailers, says Metcash CEO Jeff Adams.

What are the three enduring lessons or changes to flow from COVID-19?

1. The value communities place on their local independent retailers.

2. Being able to adapt quickly to changes in the external environment.

3. The need to maintain a strong financial position.

How would you rate the shape of the Australian economy as we head into the new year? Resilient and growing.

What three reforms are needed to sustainably grow the economy?

1. Tax reform.

2. IR reform.

3. Improved relationship with China.

What are the three best growth opportunities for your company in 2021?

1. Food, through continuing to improve the competitiveness of our independent retailers.

2. Hardware, by growing trade including leveraging the recent Total Tools acquisitions, and continuing to upgrade stores through the Sapphire program.

3. Liquor, through growing private and exclusive labels — including leveraging the recent Kollaras acquisition — and further improving the quality of the independent retail network

What impact will digital transformation have on your company?

It will help to further improve the competitiveness of our independent retailers. The hardware business is a leader in this area, and significant progress has been made in liquor and food and it continues to be a key strategic focus for all our businesses.