Woolworths Group has announced changes to its food leadership and organisational structure to enhance its focus on key customer-impact areas.
Annette Karantoni has been appointed Managing Director of Woolworths Retail and will report to Amanda Bardwell, CEO and Managing Director of Australian Food. Woolworths Retail will now encompass Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro, Greenstock (the company’s red meat supply business), and Woolworths Food Company Retail (Own Brand).
Bardwell highlighted Karantoni’s extensive experience within the company, stating,
“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.”
She also acknowledged Karantoni’s prior leadership roles in eCommerce, Buying, Marketing, and Replenishment over her two-decade tenure with Woolworths.
“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,” Bardwell said.
Jeanette Fenske, Director of Stores, and Paul Harker, Chief Commercial Officer, will remain in their roles and report to Karantoni. Bardwell thanked them for their contributions in leading Woolworths Supermarkets on an interim basis.
In New Zealand, Sally Copland has been appointed Managing Director of Woolworths New Zealand following Spencer Sonn’s decision to return to South Africa. Copland has been with Woolworths Group for 18 years and has previously held leadership roles in eCommerce, Brand, and CountdownX, as well as serving as interim Managing Director.
“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,” Bardwell said. She also expressed gratitude to Sonn for his leadership during a challenging period.
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