Chedraui CFO Contreras: “The Mexican Retail Sector is Changing”

Rafael Contreras Grosskelwingof Grupo Chedraui was awarded Latin Trade’s CFO of the Year 2014, and accepted his award at the group’s annual CFO event in Mexico City in February. Contreras was chosen for his “passion for future business, CFO track record and accomplishments,” said Ramón Leal Chapa, the Alfa CFO and last year’s winner, who presented the award. Indeed, his company, Grupo ComercialChedraui, which controls a number of supermarket chains has seen sales grow 40 percent through a number of acquisitions and is now present in 25 of Mexico’s 31 states. Latin Business Chronicle spoke with Contreras to find out some of the secrets behind his success, and what the current challenges and Mexican economic outlook hold for the company.