SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Sigma Healthcare Limited has appointed Vikesh Ramsunder as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer.

Vikesh is currently Group CEO of the Clicks Group in South Africa, a role that he has held since January 2019. Clicks Group is a leader in the South African healthcare market. Vikesh brings a valuable blend of leadership, strategic focus, industry knowledge and financial acumen following a 28-year career with the Clicks Group, including 18-years as a member of the executive team.

This appointment follows an extensive search process conducted with the support of Maritana Partners which unearthed a strong list of candidates, both internal and external.

Sigma Chairman Ray Gunston commented, “The Board is delighted to announce someone of Vikesh’s calibre to lead Sigma moving forward. He was a compelling candidate who comes with extensive experience in wholesaling, logistics, pharmacy and retail. He has been integral to the growth of the Clicks Group, which is now one of the largest wholesale, pharmacy and retail operations in Africa, with a market capitalisation around A$6.0 billion, the equivalent of an ASX100 company in Australia.

The market structure and regulatory environment of the wholesale and retail market in South Africa has many similarities to the Australian market.”

“Vikesh joins Sigma at an exciting time in our proud history. The last four years have been committed to a sustained period of critical investments to rebuild our infrastructure in our core wholesale and retail business and set the business up for the future. We now emerge from that phase poised to accelerate our growth. Vikesh brings the mix of skills and experience that will be valuable in leading Sigma to fast-track that growth agenda both organically and through acquisitions.”

Vikesh will commence with Sigma in February 2022 following the completion of his notice period. Mr Ramsunder said “I am very excited to be joining a company with the scale and stature of Sigma Healthcare. I would like to thank the Board for their trust and confidence in allowing me to lead the business through its next phase of growth.”

It was announced in April this year that Sigma’s current CEO and Managing Director, Mark Hooper would remain with Sigma until the end of October 2021.

In recognition for him now agreeing to remain with Sigma until 31 January 2022, Sigma has agreed to increase Mr Hooper’s monthly total fixed remuneration for the three month period (or part thereof) by 50%, and in addition Mr Hooper is able to terminate his employment on one week’s notice. Mr Hooper’s employment contract otherwise continues on the same terms.