Thursday marked the end of an era for Jonathan Shaw as the CEO of Retail Marketing Ltd, the company behind Welbee’s Supermarkets, passing on the reins to Nicky Camilleri.

Writing a heartfelt post on LinkedIn, Mr Shaw said that leading the company was never about standing on a podium but rather about shouldering a responsibility.

“My journey began four and a half years ago with a call that would eventually lead to one of Malta’s largest, most complex and successful mergers. What started as an invitation to a chair on a monthly board meeting became a full-time project, and the rest is history,” he continued.

The merger saw eight supermarkets across the island under the names of Park Towers, Valyou Tower, and Trolees join forces under the Welbee’s brand.

Mr Shaw added that he’s driven by a desire to make things happen and “I think we did just that.”

He elaborated that every milestone that the brand has achieved was a collective effort.

From pre-merger deliverables to full integration, a major rebrand, post-merger transformation, and achieving double-digit growth, the company “did had it all.”

“Was it always plain sailing?” he asked, while stating it was not. “But one would not have expected otherwise due to the sheer size, complexity and nature of the structure and competitive sector,” he added.

Wrapping up his thoughts, Mr Shaw remarked that moving on is not always easy, even when it’s a personal choice.

Nonetheless, looking at the transition positively, he noted that there’s a unique lightness that comes with closing a chapter, “one that feels both satisfying and surreal.”

Looking ahead, Mr Shaw will be enjoying some time to rest, but is looking forward to sharing what’s next once that is over.