SINGAPORE — Mr Jopie Ong, the group managing director of department store chain Metro, died yesterday (Feb 2). He was in his 70s.

Mr Ong, the son of Metro founder Ong Tjoe Kim, had held his position at Metro Holdings since 1973. The elder Mr Ong died of natural causes in 2009, at the age of 98.

According to Metro Holdings’ website, Mr Ong joined Metro in 1964 and was responsible for growing the retail division. He introduced key luxury brands such as Cartier and Piaget into Singapore, and guided Metro to its listing in 1973. He had also held board positions in the retail, property development, construction, hotel and leisure industries.

His sister, Mrs Wong Sioe Hong, 65, is executive chairman of Metro (Private) Limited.

The Board of Directors of Metro Holdings announced today that  Mr Lawrence Chiang Kok Sung, Group Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect, to ensure continuity of operations of the Metro Group.

Metro turned its iconic red-and-white logo type into somber black and white on the company’s Facebook page, to mark the passing of Mr Ong.