A number of long-time Myer executives are leaving the business as the department store’s relatively new chief executive and former Qantas Loyalty boss Olivia Wirth makes changes to senior leadership, including introducing new roles and bringing in a Qantas executive to reposition the business for growth. Wirth has created a new position of chief transformation officer that will be filled by former Qantas executive Andrew Taylor. Myer executive chairwoman Olivia Wirth joined from airline Qantas, where she was head of loyalty. Andrew joins Myer after a long career at Qantas and will play an integral role in driving our strategic goals,” Wirth said in an internal note to staff. Wirth has created two new merchandise general manager roles, one in beauty, accessories and services, and another in women’s apparel.
Belinda Slifkas, whose current portfolio covers apparel, home and entertainment, will take interim responsibility for the women’s apparel department. As a result, Annabel Talbot has lost her position as general merchandise manager of womenswear, intimates, footwear, accessories and beauty. “I would like to thank Annabel for her contribution to Myer,” Wirth said. She has also created a new role of general manager of digital commerce that will be filled by New York-based retail executive Warwick Blunt. Chief information officer Ben Fitzgerald departed Myer yesterday. Executive general manager of property, store design and development Tim Clark has announced his resignation for March next year after 36 years with the business. The general manager of Myer stores in Victoria and Tasmania, Susan Braidwood, is also leaving the business after 36 years.
Other people leaving the business this month include Tony Carr, executive general manager of supply chain, as well as chief merchandise officer Allan Winstanley, who announced in March they were leaving Myer to spend more time with family in the UK. Here’s what Wirth said about the changes: I recognise this is a detailed note touching on some significant changes to the team. The changes are designed to establish the right structure to build our capability and support our next phase of growth. I am confident that we have a great team in place and will continue to attract high-calibre executives for new and unfilled roles in the weeks ahead as we build a stronger business for the future.
