METRO Romania leverages change as a driving force

With a keen focus on providing the support its customers need to navigate this challenging business environment, Metro Romania continues to be a benchmark for the local wholesale market. CEO Adrian Ariciu sat down with Business Review and outlined the wholesaler’s strategic objectives in Romania.

By Anda Sebesi

What is your leadership style and how does it support your company’s performance?

My leadership approach is straightforward and focused on getting results, yet it’s deeply rooted in collaboration and understanding. I believe in the power of a united team, where everyone understands their role and is committed to our shared goals. This allows us to excel, particularly when the stakes are high and the landscape is ever-changing.

I place immense value on having a supportive, adaptable, and motivated team. It’s about being there for each other, pushing boundaries, and maintaining a positive, can-do spirit even when the pressure is high. And speaking of pressure, I always remind my team that “pressure is constructive, tension is not.” I strongly believe that while we should embrace challenges to grow and improve, we must also foster an atmosphere of trust and respect, avoiding unnecessary stress and friction. Externally, I do my best to always stay connected with our customers and peers in the traditional retail and hospitality industries. These relationships are some of the best sources for insights and opportunities to collaborate, as well as for ensuring we are always meeting the rising demands of our customers. Ultimately, my leadership style blends strategic focus with a genuine commitment to our people and partners, fostering a culture where everyone feels that they’re part of a common success story.

What were your main professional achievements in 2023?

In 2023, despite a fluctuating business environment, we secured double-digit growth. Central to our success was our dedication to enhancing our multichannel selling model and advancing our digital transformation. We improved the Mshop delivery platform, ensuring its availability 24/7, while remodelling and expanding our stores’ footprint to boost our logistical strength. We also made substantial advances in our LaDoiPasi proximity franchise network, reaching 2,200 stores at the end of 2023. This growth is a testament to our strategic focus and the hard work of our teams. Our journey in digital transformation also accelerated, reinforcing our aim to become the most digitalized wholesaler on the market. I am proud of what we achieved in 2023. The dedication, innovation, and resilience of our team have established a strong foundation for sustained excellence and adaptability.

What were the biggest challenges your business sector faced last year and how did you navigate them?

Our industry faced numerous challenges last year, including significant geopolitical and economic changes, as well as updates in legislation and taxation. Against this backdrop, our focus was on providing the support our customers needed to navigate this instability. We maintained open lines of communication and adapted to their evolving needs. This approach is not new to us; it is inherent to the industry in which we operate and has only strengthened our resolve to continually evolve. Our longstanding “Buy More, Pay Less” initiative illustrates this approach. Originally devised to enhance our customers’ profitability and competitive standing, we have diligently expanded and refined the programme to meet the current market’s demands. As a rule, we view the industry’s challenges not as barriers but as opportunities to innovate and advance. This perspective enables us to leverage change as a driving force, propelling our growth and consolidating our market leadership. Through such a proactive and forward-thinking approach, we transform potential hurdles into stepping stones for development and success.

Goals for 2024:

Continue the strategic growth of the LaDoiPasi franchise network
Develop the company’s multichannel strategy by expanding and modernising store formats and enhancing delivery services
Invest in people through training and development programmes that equip employees with the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in a constantly changing business landscape