Woolworths Group has announced changes to its food leadership and organisational structure to allow a greater focus on the areas that impact customers most.
Annette Karantoni has been appointed to the role of Managing Director, Woolworths Retail, reporting to Amanda Bardwell, Woolworths Group CEO and Managing Director, Australian Food.
Karatoni has led Primary Connect, the Group’s supply chain business, for over three years. This has included oversight of the New South Wales supply chain transformation, the Group’s most significant strategic investment.
Before leading Primary Connect, she 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,” said Bardwell.
“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.”
Woolworths Retail has brought together key components of the Australian retail business, including Woolworths Supermarkets, Metro, Greenstock (red meat supply business) and Woolworths Food Company Retail (Own Brand).
Jeanette Fenske, Director of Stores and Paul Harker, Chief Commercial Officer, who has been leading Woolworths Supermarkets on an interim basis, will continue in their existing roles as part of Woolworths Retail’s leadership team, reporting to Annette Karantoni.
“I would like to thank Jeanette and Paul and the broader leadership team for their important contribution over the last few months.”
In New Zealand, Sally Copland has been appointed Managing Director, Woolworths New Zealand following Spencer Sonn’s decision to return to South Africa.
Copland has been with Woolworths Group for over 18 years. She will return to Woolworths New Zealand. She previously held several senior positions, including interim Managing Director, and led the 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.”
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