Carrefour’s Strategic Pivot: Asset Sale and Management Shifts Under 2026 Plan

Carrefour PK US1444302046

French retail giant Carrefour is executing a series of strategic moves aligned with its "Carrefour 2026" plan, focusing on cash generation and operational simplification. Reports indicate advanced negotiations are underway for a significant divestiture, coupled with key leadership changes and a capital-light expansion into a new African market.

A major personnel decision centers on Carrefour's Brazilian subsidiary. Julien Munch, currently serving as Chief Operating Officer for Carrefour France from 2024 to 2025, is slated to become the Deputy CEO of Carrefour Brazil starting in January 2026. In this role, he will support the local CEO, Pablo Lorenzo. Munch brings relevant experience, having been the CEO of Carrefour Romania between 2021 and 2024. Concurrently, the company is eliminating the position of Chief Transformation Officer in Brazil, a step intended to streamline management layers and enhance organizational agility.

Divestment Talks in Eastern Europe

In a parallel development, Carrefour is reportedly in advanced discussions to sell its entire Romanian retail network. The potential buyers are entrepreneurs Dragoș and Adrian Pavăl, the owners of the Dedeman chain. The transaction, which could be valued between €750 million and €900 million, encompasses approximately 450 stores. This potential sale is framed within Carrefour's broader strategy to review its international portfolio and concentrate capital on core markets where it holds a leading position.

Franchise-Led Market Entry in Ghana

The group is also pursuing growth through a franchise partnership in Ghana. Partnering with Brands For All, Carrefour will enter the market by rebranding seven former Shoprite hypermarkets. The conversion to the Carrefour brand is scheduled for completion by April 2026. Furthermore, the plan includes opening five additional stores by 2028. This approach utilizes an asset-light model, minimizing the capital required for international expansion.

Strategic Alignment and Timeline

These combined actions—a potential cash infusion from Romania and a low-capital expansion in Ghana—directly support the "Carrefour 2026" objectives of boosting cash flow and simplifying operations. The management reinforcement in Brazil signals a commitment to defending its Latin American market presence amid a challenging macroeconomic climate. Key milestones include Julien Munch's appointment in January 2026, the Ghana rebranding deadline in April 2026, and further store openings planned through 2028.