Lazada Group has announced its second new CEO this year, with group executive president Pierre Poignant taking the role immediately.

Incumbent Lucy Peng, who took over the role nine months ago after moving from major investor Alibaba, will remain with the business, assuming the title executive chairwoman.  

In a media statement, Lazada described the change as “succession planning”.

Poignant, who was appointed president in August, will lead the company’s strategic development into new growth pillars, while continuing to manage Lazada’s operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, working closely with country CEOs and regional functional team leaders.

“Pierre is a well-respected Lazada co-founder, who has contributed tirelessly to the company for the past six years,” said Peng. “He and the team of other co-founders had the vision to build our logistics network from the ground up back in the days when no one in Southeast Asia believed in e-commerce – this valuable asset has now set us apart from the competition. Over the years, Pierre has consistently delivered beyond his call of duty and excelled in every role he has taken up.”

Poignant said Lazada has benefitted from the Alibaba ecosystem, from the technological prowess to the logistics network.

“This year is a turning point for Lazada. We have improved and evolved and now come out stronger, more efficient, and more agile than the start of the year. Our transformation has just begun and I am confident next year will be another watershed year,” said Poignant.