Foodstuffs NZ has appointed Deirdre Boyle as its new Chief Customer Officer following an extensive international search. She will take up the role on 18 May.

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Ms Boyle has spent more than 20 years leading product, digital, customer experience and marketing teams across some of Australia’s “best-known” banking and insurance brands. She is currently the Chief Customer Officer at Flybuys Australia, the loyalty program jointly owned by Coles Group and Wesfarmers.

“I’m looking forward to returning to New Zealand and joining an iconic business with a clear sense of purpose and a real impact on its customers, communities and people,” says Ms Boyle.

“It’s great to be joining Foodstuffs and working alongside such a capable team. Both co-ops play an important role in communities across the country, and I’m keen to help strengthen those connections and deliver real value for New Zealanders across a strong portfolio of brands.”

Ms Boyle joins at a time when Foodstuffs is making a number of changes to increase customer focus, including the formation of the new national Customer team and the ramp-up of work in Customer Engagement to better understand shoppers and deliver improvements they notice in-store and online.

Brendon Lawry will continue in his secondment leading the Customer team until Ms Boyle has transitioned into her new role. Mr Lawry has guided the team through a period of significant change and a busy summer season and will return to his role as CEO of Liquorland once the transition is complete.

Foodstuffs looks forward to welcoming Ms Boyle in May as the co-ops begin an important next chapter in becoming even more customer-driven.