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International Spar, the world’s largest supermarket chain in terms

of stores, has recruited a global marketing chief with a brief to

develop a worldwide marketing strategy as it expands.

Tobias Wasmuht, who was previously marketing manager for Marks & Spencer

Deutschland, starts at the chain’s head office in Amsterdam in

early-June.

Reporting to managing director Gordon Campbell, he replaces Dieter

Marquardt, who left last November to start his own business. His

responsibilities will include store design, corporate identity and

sponsorships.

Spar, which will operate in 32 countries on five continents by the end

of the year, wants to strengthen its brand to compete against the likes

of Wal-Mart.

Although it is structured as an umbrella organisation for a partnership

of owned and independent retailers, it has a central marketing and

buying function.