AUSTRALIA | Wesfarmers has announced that Michael Schneider, Managing Director of Bunnings Group, has advised of his intention to retire from the position in February 2027.
Schneider will be succeeded by Rachael McVitty, Bunnings Group’s Chief Customer Officer. She has been with Wesfarmers for more than 17 years and has held several senior executive roles across the group.
McVitty has been appointed Deputy Managing Director of Bunnings Group effective the 27th of August 2026, and will commence as Managing Director on the 1st of February 2027, at which time she is expected to become a member of Wesfarmers’ executive key management personnel.
Wesfarmers Managing Director Rob Scott said McVitty’s commercial leadership, operational experience and deep knowledge of Bunnings positioned her to lead the business in its next phase of growth.
“I’m delighted to announce Rachael’s appointment as incoming Managing Director of Bunnings Group. Rachael brings proven leadership experience across retail and industrial businesses and strong commercial acumen,” said Scott.
“This is an exciting time for Bunnings, and I look forward to working with Rachael to continue delivering Bunnings’ strategic agenda and create long-term value for shareholders.”
Since joining Bunnings in 2021 as Chief Financial Officer, McVitty has held several senior leadership roles across the business. She was appointed Chief Customer Officer in May 2024, responsible for store operations and Bunnings’ commercial businesses, leading more than 50,000 team members across Australia and New Zealand.
Scott added that McVitty has a strong track record leading large and complex transformations, driving improvements in safety, customer experience and productivity at Bunnings and, before that, as CEO of Blackwoods.
“Rachael has worked closely with Mike and her appointment demonstrates the strength of Wesfarmers’ talent development and succession planning processes.”
Scott thanked Schneider for his exceptional contributions to Bunnings and the broader Wesfarmers Group over many years. He has overseen significant transformation of Bunnings’ customer offer and digital ecosystem, setting the business up for future success while also creating value for Wesfarmers shareholders.
