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"At AJP Group, we have conducted our business for over 20 years according to the principles of fairness and family values. We proudly serve our loyal customers who support us consistently, while maintaining a competitive and ethical culture." - John Baladakis - CEO
We are proudly entrepreneurial. Given our proven track record and the foundation of our solid businesses carefully built over many years, we have honed that rare knack for recognising opportunities for additional growth. More importantly, at AJP Group we know how to translate opportunities into tangible businesses.
The long-term success and continuity of a privately-owned company such as the AJP Group is largely attributable to the shared vision of the founders, which has been continually translated by our partners and our management team into a clear commitment to the growth and prosperity of the group.
At AJP Group, we have conducted our business for over 20 years according to the principles of fairness and family values. We develop our team members and sponsor the communities we serve. We proudly serve our loyal customers who support us consistently, while maintaining a competitive and ethical culture.
AJP Group’s core business activities are franchised retail businesses, retail property development & management and a growing food division. Our range of franchised retail businesses allow us to continually seek opportunities to extend our retail network.
AJP Foods is the franchisor of the Hava Java coffee shop and dinner concepts as well the custodian of the Qualitas, Passion Patisserie and BushFire Brands.
Late Mr. Alexander Baladakis was the backbone and strongest pillar of the AJP Group. His vision of a multi-network retail enterprise is what has led the AJP group to the pinnacle of success today.
Mr Alex, as he was affectionately known, started his first supermarket in 1982, and since then, there was no looking back. He played key roles within the Spar Group in South Africa and was named as Mr Spar City in 1987.
He dedicated 20 years to building the Pick n Pay brand in South Africa. He also served as a member of the SAE International Business Committee from 2003 to 2006 and received the Franchise Legend Award from Pick n Pay in 2012. Mr. Alex’s legacy, teachings, vision and warmth continue to remain at the core of the AJP Group and drive the passion of building retail in South Africa.
John gained some experience with Spar supermarkets before joining the Pick n Pay group as a franchisee in what was AJP Group’s first Pick n Pay store. He has served on a number of forums at Pick n Pay as well as on the Pick n Pay CEO’s Advisory Committee. He has been named as Pick n Pay Franchise Legend.
John is the author of A Franchisee’s Perspective and has been called upon to share his perspective as a franchisee on many platforms. He has served in various leadership capacities in community and charity organisations. In 2015 he was elected as the Chairman of the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA). Presented with the Pick n Pay Chairman's Award in 2017
Peter’s background in financial management and auditing was gained at BKR South Africa and is a valuable asset to the AJP Group.
As COO, Peter runs the Group’s retail division and was named as winner of Pick n Pay’s Store of the Year (Gauteng) in 2005. He was named Franchise Legend by Pick n Pay in 2012. Presented with the Pick n Pay Chairman's Award in 2017
JP, as he is known, joined the group in 2012 having 28 years of experience in the hospitality food sector. He has owned several food businesses and worked with the nino’s group for 23 years, where he played an integral role in helping to establish the brand nationwide. He is the group’s Company Secretary and Director of Shared services.
JP serves in various leadership positions within the Hellenic community and is a strategist by nature.
Jaydene heads the finance division at AJP. She has a strong work ethic and coupled with her experience and leadership skills has become invaluable to the Group.
Jaydene began her journey at the AJP group in 2017 as the Retail Financial Manager. By 2019, her technical and analytical competence combined with her balanced personality saw her heading the AJP Group finance division. She has since led her team with a natural flair and is a vital contributor to the growth story of the Group.
Prior to the AJP group, Jaydene worked in corporate accounting and the agricultural industry