Woolworths Group Limited is changing its food leadership and organisational structure to enhance the focus on key areas impacting customers. The move saw the company trade slightly higher at midday at $30.06.
Annette Karantoni has been appointed as managing director of Woolworths Retail and will report to Amanda Bardwell, Woolworths Group CEO and managing director of Australian Food.
The Woolworths Retail division will encompass Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro, Greenstock (the company's red meat supply business) and Woolworths Food Company Retail (Own Brand).
“Annette has been leading Primary Connect, the group’s supply chain business, for over three years. This has included oversight of the NSW supply chain transformation, the group’s biggest strategic investment to date,” Bardwell said:
“Prior to leading Primary Connect, Annette spent over 20 years working across Woolworths Group and has held senior leadership roles in Australian Food in eCommerce, Buying, Marketing and Replenishment.
“Our Woolworths Retail business is the cornerstone of our group and critical to our success. Getting it right for our customers starts with our team and we are taking the opportunity to simplify the way we work to create the biggest impact for our customers.
"With Metro, Greenstock and Woolworths Food Company Retail moving into Woolworths Retail under Annette’s leadership, we will be able to enhance the role our retail food stores and own brand play in meeting the needs of our customers.”
Jeanette Fenske, director of stores, and Paul Harker, chief commercial officer, who have been leading Woolworths Supermarkets on an interim basis, will continue in their current roles as part of Woolworths Retail’s leadership team, reporting to Annette Karantoni.
“I would like to thank Jeanette and Paul and the broader leadership team for their important contribution over the last few months,” Bardwell said.
In New Zealand, Sally Copland has been appointed as managing director of Woolworths New Zealand, following Spencer Sonn’s decision to return to South Africa.
Copland, who has been with Woolworths Group for more than 18 years, will return to Woolworths New Zealand after previously holding senior roles, including interim managing director, as well as leading eCommerce, Brand and CountdownX teams.
“Sally’s experience in Australia and New Zealand across many parts of our food businesses makes her ideally suited to lead Woolworths New Zealand in its continuing transformation. I would also like to thank Spencer for his leadership in a very challenging environment and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Bardwell added.