JD Group Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

JD Group has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, retail operations, financial management, and technology architecture.

Focused on delivering value across diverse consumer markets, JD Group maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth within the South African retail and consumer finance sectors.

Leadership Roles at JD Group

  • Chief Executive Officer - Matthew Van Der Walt
  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme) - Thulani Masina
  • Chief Financial Officer - Ashley Kretzmann
  • Chief Architect & Group Chief Technology Officer - Haiming Yang
  • Matthew Van Der Walt - Chief Executive Officer

    Matthew Van Der Walt, the Chief Executive Officer at JD Group, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire retail and consumer finance portfolio. Overseeing the integration of brands like Russells and Bradlows, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the broader objectives of Pepkor Holdings. This leadership role involves driving market expansion across South Africa while maintaining high standards of operational efficiency. By optimizing the retail footprint and consumer credit offerings, Matthew Van Der Walt directly impacts the company's competitive positioning. The Chief Executive Officer manages the executive team to foster innovation in furniture and home goods distribution. Through rigorous performance monitoring, the Chief Executive Officer secures long-term profitability and market stability. This executive leadership ensures that the organization remains responsive to shifting consumer demands while maintaining a robust presence in the regional retail landscape.

    Thulani Masina - Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme)

    Thulani Masina, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme) at JD Group, manages the specific operational performance of the Price, Barnetts, and Supreme retail banners. Overseeing daily store operations and inventory management, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme) ensures that these brands meet regional sales targets. This leadership role involves refining the customer experience within furniture and home goods segments to drive brand loyalty. By coordinating with supply chain teams, Thulani Masina optimizes product availability across the South African market. The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme) implements tactical adjustments to store layouts and promotional strategies to maximize revenue. Through consistent oversight of these specific retail units, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme) supports the broader corporate mission of delivering accessible consumer goods while maintaining high operational standards across the entire retail network.

    Ashley Kretzmann - Chief Financial Officer

    Ashley Kretzmann, the Chief Financial Officer at JD Group, directs all fiscal planning, reporting, and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing the financial health of the diverse retail and consumer finance divisions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures strict adherence to corporate governance and regulatory requirements. This leadership role involves managing the balance sheet and optimizing credit risk models to support the company's consumer finance operations. By providing data-driven insights to the board, Ashley Kretzmann facilitates informed decision-making regarding investments and cost-management initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer maintains robust internal controls to safeguard assets across all retail brands. Through precise financial forecasting and liquidity management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the capital necessary for sustained growth. This executive function remains critical to the overall stability and financial performance of the company within the competitive South African retail market.
    Ashley Kretzmann

    Haiming Yang - Chief Architect & Group Chief Technology Officer

    Haiming Yang, the Chief Architect & Group Chief Technology Officer at JD Group, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure across all retail and finance platforms. Overseeing the modernization of IT systems, the Chief Architect & Group Chief Technology Officer ensures that the company leverages advanced data analytics to improve customer engagement. This leadership role involves architecting scalable solutions that support the diverse needs of brands like Incredible Connection and HiFi Corp. By integrating new technologies into the retail environment, Haiming Yang enhances operational efficiency and digital service delivery. The Chief Architect & Group Chief Technology Officer collaborates with other executives to align technical capabilities with long-term business goals. Through the implementation of secure and reliable systems, the Chief Architect & Group Chief Technology Officer drives innovation in the consumer goods sector. This role remains essential for maintaining a modern, responsive, and technologically advanced retail ecosystem.
    Haiming Yang

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding JD Group Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads JD Group?
    JD Group is led by Matthew Van Der Walt (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thulani Masina (Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme)) and Ashley Kretzmann (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of JD Group’s executive team?
    The executive team of JD Group includes leaders such as Matthew Van Der Walt (Chief Executive Officer), Thulani Masina (Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme)), Ashley Kretzmann (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JD Group have?
    JD Group has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in JD Group’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of JD Group includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Price, Barnetts & Supreme), Chief Financial Officer, Chief Architect & Group Chief Technology Officer.