Myer executive chair and director, Olivia Wirth has outlined a number of significant changes to the executive management and senior leadership teams, as she plans to reposition the department store for growth and implements the ‘Full Potential Plan’.
Myer has appointed Darren Wedding as chief supply chain officer, effective March 2025, joining the business from Super Retail Group, the ASX-listed owner of the Rebel, Supercheap Auto, Macpac and BCF brands. For the past five years, he has led the transformation of their supply chain and distribution centres for online and 700-plus stores.
“Darren is a principle-centred leader possessing diverse experience in all facets of supply chain management with more than 30 years’ experience in supply chain and logistics having served in a broad array of industries including military, steel manufacturing, FMCG, pharmaceutical, retail and third-party logistics, with nine of those years based in Asia,” Wirth said in an update to the Myer team.
Myer executive general manager of supply chain, Tony Carr and chief merchandise officer, Allan Winstanley will leave the business this month to return to the UK to be closer to their families, after announcing their departures in March 2024. Myer chief operating officer Tony Sutton, with the support of Mark Earl, Nick Galliano and Alistair McDonald, will oversee supply chain until Carr’s replacement is appointed.
“On behalf of the entire Myer team, I would like to thank Troy and Allan for their contribution to the business and wish them well for the future. An executive search is well progressed to fill the chief merchandise officer role. In the interim general manager of merchandise planning, Chris Pitts, will act as chief marketing officer,” Wirth said.
Myer chief information officer, Ben Fitzgerald has left the business with Michelle Symes and Loukas Kanellos assuming acting responsibility for the information technology function reporting to chief customer officer, Geoff Ikin.
After 36 years with Myer, Tim Clark has decided to retire as executive general manager of property, store design and development on 31 March 2025. “Tim has made an enormous contribution to Myer and at the appropriate time next year, we look forward to recognising his dedication and commitment to the business.”
Myer has also created a new role, chief transformation officer, which has been filled by Andrew Taylor, who joins Myer after a long career at Qantas to drive strategic goals.
Senior leadership changes
As Myer continues to increase its focus on online sales growth, the business has created a new role in the digital commerce division, with Warwick Blunt being appointed general manager of digital commerce from November. Warwick has worked across large corporate, growth equity and start-up digital businesses in the US including Walmart, Food52 and Cedar Brands.
In further bolstering its supply chain team, Myer recently welcomed Nick Galliano in the role of general manager of supply chain development, replacing Paul Howes.
In the store operations division, general manager of stores for Victoria/ Tasmania, Susan Braidwood will depart the business after 36 years, with general manager of retail support, Travers Finniss assuming responsibility for the portfolio. “Susan has made a huge contribution during her time with us, including leading the redevelopment of the Melbourne City store.”
In the merchandise division, Myer has created two new roles – general manager of merchandise for beauty, accessories and services and a general merchandise manager for women’s apparel.
“Belinda Slifkas will take interim responsibility for the new women’s apparel role in conjunction with her current portfolio of apparel, home, and entertainment. We will appoint a general manager of merchandise for beauty, accessories and services soon,” Wirth said.
As a result of these changes to the leadership structure, general manager of merchandise for womenswear, intimates, footwear, accessories and beauty, Annabel Talbot will leave the business. “I would like to thank Annabel for her contribution to Myer.”
These changes are designed to establish the right structure to build further capability and support Myer’s next phase of growth, according to Wirth.
“I am confident that we have a great team in place and will continue to attract high-calibre executives for new and unfilled roles in the weeks ahead as we build a stronger business for the future,” she said.