Former Qantas executive Olivia Wirth has been appointed as both Chair and CEO of major Australian retailer, Myer.
The rare double appointment announced today will see Wirth assuming her role as Chair effective immediately, while her stint as CEO will commence on June 4.
In a statement, Wirth said she is looking forward to heading the company and tackling her immediate priorities, including improving in-store experience, investing in e-commerce and more.
“The next chapter in Myer’s story requires us to continue tackling some significant challenges and meet the changing needs of our customers,” Wirth said.
“I am focused on delivering improved outcomes for our valued customers, team members and all Myer shareholders.
“Over the coming weeks, I will be meeting with the team and our loyal customers to hear from them first-hand about their needs and gathering their feedback on our growth plans.”
As Chair, Wirth will be replacing the outgoing chairperson, Ari Mervis, who is leaving the company effective today.
“The Board’s appointment of Olivia as Executive Chair is the start of a new era for Myer,” Mervis said in a statement to the ASX.
“Olivia is an experienced and respected leader, with a track record of delivering improved business performance.”
Wirth worked at Qantas for 15 years, including six years as CEO of Qantas Loyalty. She was a key contender for the CEO position of the airline when Alan Joyce resigned last year, a role which Vanessa Hudson was appointed to fill in May last year.
Wirth resigned from Qantas in October last year when she was appointed on Myer’s board.
“Since joining the Board last year, Olivia has demonstrated impressive commercial acumen and an acute understanding of the dynamics facing both Myer and the broader retail sector,” outgoing chair Ari Mervis said in his statement.
“It is the board’s view that Olivia is the ideal person to lead Myer as it accelerates the work undertaken in recent years to stabilise and strengthen the business.”
Wirth will replace outgoing CEO John King on June 4. King said he has been “deeply impressed” with Wirth’s hard work and dedication at Myer since joining the board last year.
“I believe Myer has an exciting future with the board’s appointment of Olivia as executive chair,” King said.