foodpanda names John Fang as new CEO

Online food and grocery delivery platform foodpanda has appointed John Fang (pictured) as its new CEO, succeeding Jakob Angele, who left foodpanda today after nine years in the company.

In his new role as CEO, Fang will continue to lead and grow foodpanda’s business, staying focused on bringing value and purpose to the food and grocery delivery ecosystem that foodpanda serves.

Fang has been with foodpanda for six years in various leadership roles since he joined as Taiwan country CEO. He also held the position of chief international officer of foodpanda’s owner Delivery Hero, managing business operations across foodpanda’s 11 markets.

Prior to foodpanda, he had also been the general manager and chief operating officer of Groupon Taiwan, according to his LinkedIn.

Don't miss: Foodpanda confirms APAC layoffs amid talks of partial Asia business sale

The appointment comes after foodpanda announced it would be reducing its team size in the APAC region back in September, following a potential sale of its Asia business that was announced by foodpanda's owner, Delivery Hero. 

It explained that it was conducting the layoffs because there was a need to "streamline" its operations. "The need to streamline our operations to become leaner and more agile remains critical," a spokesperson at the company said.

Don't miss: foodpanda HK highlights its ability to 'serve millions' with new branding campaign

While in Hong Kong, foodpanda most recently launched a new branding campaign featuring local actor Stephen Fung and its brand ambassador Pau-Pau, to reposition its brand identity and highlight its ability to "serve millions”. 

Referencing the Chinese proverb "一樣米養百樣人" which literally translates to “The same kind of rice feeds hundreds of people”, the campaign aimed to convey the message that while preferences in food of all seven million people in Hong Kong can vastly differ, the foodpanda app can serve as a meal solution for many people in Hong Kong.

Moreover, this modern iteration of the Chinese proverb aimed to exemplify how foodpanda can meet the unique tastes and needs of the population through its wide variety of choices.

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