Woolworths Group has announced changes to its Food leadership and organisational structure to allow a greater focus on the areas that have the most impact for customers.
Annette Karantoni has been appointed to the role of Managing Director, Woolworths Retail, reporting to Woolworths Group CEO and Managing Director, Australian Food Amanda Bardwell.
Woolworths Retail brings together key components of the Australian retail business including Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro, Greenstock (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,” Ms 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.”
Director of Stores Jeanette Fenske and Chief Commercial Officer Paul Harker, who have been leading Woolworths Supermarkets on an interim basis will continue in their existing roles as part of Woolworths Retail’s leadership team, reporting to Ms Karantoni.
“I would like to thank Jeanette and Paul and the broader leadership team for their important contribution over the last few months,” Ms Bardwell said.
In New Zealand, Sally Copland has been appointed Managing Director, Woolworths New Zealand following Spencer Sonn’s decision to return to South Africa. Ms Copland has been with Woolworths Group for over 18 years and will return to Woolworths New Zealand having previously held a number of senior positions 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,” Ms Bardwell said.