Earlier this week, Harvey Norman Executive Director, David Ackery announced his resignation after 30 years with the business. As a result, Harvey Norman has promoted Auburn franchisee, Haydon Myers to the newly created role of Executive General Manager – Electrical in Australia.
In response to these changes, key supplier partners have thanked Ackery for his contribution and support, while congratulating Myers on his new appointment.
Smeg Australia managing director, Wayne Campbell said, “I first met David before he started in his first Harvey Norman store in Queensland, so I’ve known him for more than 30 years both from a franchisee and supplier perspective.
“David has always been an honest, committed, and professional person in all business aspects. David has always been inspired to pursue opportunities both around Australia and globally, which has been critical to Harvey Norman’s success.
“We’ve developed a great business relationship that I’m sure will continue with Haydon’s appointment. I wish David his wife, Karen and the family all the best for the future. I’d also like to congratulate Haydon on his appointment as Executive General Manager. He is the right person for the role and is well-respected by all the franchisees.
“I look forward to continuing our valued personal and business relationship moving forward. David and Haydon have built a strong relationship with the entire Smeg Australia family and our senior management team in Italy HQ.”
BSH general manager of retail, Robert Warner said, “I would like to congratulate David on an outstanding career at Harvey Norman – a true gentleman of the industry who has overseen incredible transformation for Harvey Norman during his tenure. I appreciate our long-term relationship and will miss his presence in the retail landscape.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to wish Haydon all the best in his new role. He is a well-respected and connected member of the Harvey Norman family and I look forward to working with him as he guides the Australian electrical business into its next chapter.”
Electrolux ANZ managing director, Kurt Hegvold said, “While sad to see such a legend of industry and all-round good person depart, we can only celebrate the contribution David has made and acknowledge the legacy he leaves.
“For decades David has been a champion of deep and mutually beneficial partnerships, fostering growth and progress across the industry. We thank David for his support and stewardship over the years and look forward to staying close as David enters this new stage.
“At the same time, we are excited to see the appointment of Haydon to the role of Executive GM. A veteran of industry with an enormous wealth of experience across the Harvey Norman business and the industry at large. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Haydon at the helm.”
Miele ANZ managing director, Yves Dalcourt said, “David leaves a massive imprint within the industry and for over 30 years, has led with solid knowledge and perspective and with the announcement of Haydon as Executive GM, Harvey Norman is poised to continue to thrive.”
ASKO sales director, Rob Butchatsky said, “All at ASKO Australia wish David the very best for his well deserved retirement. David has been the consummate professional and always a pleasure to work with. He’s played a key role in the support of ASKO in the Harvey Norman business and for that we are extremely grateful.
“We would like to congratulate Haydon on his appointment as Executive GM. Haydon’s direction as senior lead in NSW, as well as his time in Flemington ensures he’s incredibly well placed to succeed David. We are excited to work closely with Haydon and his team on continuing to build on our partnership with Harvey Norman.”
LG Electronics sales director – consumer electronics, Murray Richardson said, “The announcement of David retiring from Harvey Norman comes with a strong appreciation of his commitment and contribution to our industry over his strong tenure within Harvey Norman.
“David’s approach has always been professional and collaborative in maintaining a long-term partnership. David leaves a strong legacy which has been a huge inspiration to all those in the industry. I congratulate Haydon on his appointment, and offer him my full support which I’m sure everyone within our industry will as well. I personally would like to thank David for his support and friendship over many years and wish him and his family well for their future together.”
Panasonic Australia managing director, Paul Reid said, “David’s contribution to the Harvey Norman Electrical business over three decades is difficult to overstate. He has guided the business through enormous market change and the strength of the business today is in no small part due to his drive and leadership. The team at Panasonic will miss working with him and we wish David all the very best for the future.
“Panasonic is delighted to hear that Haydon has been appointed Executive GM – Electrical. Haydon’s broad experience across the Harvey Norman business, strong leadership skills and outstanding supplier relationships make him the ideal person to take on this important role. We are very much looking forward to working with Haydon into the future and wish him every success.”
Schweigen co-owner, Anthony Fletcher said, “Harvey Norman has been instrumental in the development, growth and success of the Schweigen brand. Their support of an Australian-owned local brand under David’s leadership has been excellent. Haydon is a fantastic choice for the handover. I congratulate him on the new role and look forward to continuing our relationship on both a professional and personal level.”
Fujitsu General ANZ managing director, Philip Perham said, “Personally, my relationship with David started back in 1993 when I was a sales representative for his account, when he established Harvey Norman in Townsville.
“Our relationship continued with his move to Harvey Norman head office and we have worked closely ever since. From Fujitsu General’s perspective, we would like to thank David for his many years of contribution to the electrical industry and especially for his tremendous support of our company. We wish him all the best in his retirement early next year.
“Similarly, we are very excited at the news of Haydon’s appointment as Executive General Manager. Both David and Haydon were instrumental in re-establishing the relationship between our two companies early in their tenures at head office. Since that time, together we have built a strong relationship with the head office team and all the fantastic franchisees, that has seen both businesses prosper. Congratulations to them both.”
Jura Australia managing director, George Liakatos said, “Having known both David and Haydon for over a decade we are equally appreciative of David’s support and happy to welcome Haydon into his new role. As an important business partner, both David and Haydon have supported JURA especially in the early days of our partnership and we look forward to continuing our collaboration long into the future.”