Metcash has announced the retirement of Chris Baddock, CEO of the Liquor pillar, due to health reasons.
Since joining Metcash in 2019, Chris has overseen enormous growth in the Liquor pillar with sales increasing almost 40% over the past three years. The growth has been across all key areas of the business including sales to retail and on-premise customers, and in owned and exclusive brands.
“Mr Baddock is stepping down with the business well positioned for continued success. He leaves a formidable legacy which includes a successful growth strategy, as well as an experienced and highly engaged management team that is well regarded by the business’ customers and suppliers.”
John Barakat, the Liquor pillar’s General Manager of Merchandise and Operations, will lead the Liquor team while the company undertakes an extensive search for a successor. The search will include both internal and external candidates.
Mr Baddock plans to have a four-month break and will then take up a part-time advisory role with Metcash to assist with the ongoing growth and success of the Liquor pillar.
Metcash Group CEO Doug Jones says: “Chris has made a significant contribution to the Liquor pillar and Metcash more broadly, and the Board and I sincerely thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best for a full recovery. I am pleased to have Chris on board in an advisory capacity as we work together towards our purpose of Championing Successful Independents, a purpose that I know Chris is a strong proponent of.”