Carrefour fast tracks Indian ops, puts team in place

Carrefour, the world's second largest retailer, has put its India roll out plan on the fast track, setting up a nine-member core team to lead its operations.

The French retailer, which has been talking to various Indian business houses for a possible partnership to roll out its wholesale operations in the cash- and-carry format, has also recruited around 50 people.

Last month, Shumesh Dayal left Mastercard to join as the company's marketing head in India.

Another core team member, who has joined the company as head for human resources, is Prasad Swaminathan who was earlier working with a leading media house.

Carrefour is planning both wholesale trade and franchising of retail stores.

Herve Clech is managing director for Carrefour WC&C India and Carrefour India Master Franchise Company. Another member in the core team is Gerard Freiszmuth who has been in India for over two years now to do the ground work for its plan.

The company has been in talks with Delhi-based real estate developer DLF, Mumbai's Wadia Group and Reliance Retail.

None of the executives could be reached for an update on the company's plan, but industry sources said an announcement is expected as early as March.

Under current rules, the $128-billion French retailer will be unable to sell directly to individuals.

Carrefour was initially in talks with Bharti for a joint venture in India, but Wal-Mart managed to beat the French firm, as it did in China when it outbid Carrefour for Trust Mart, China's top retailer.

Carrefour, Wal-Mart and Tesco are battling it out for supremacy in the global hypermarket industry.