Greencross fills out management team Three months after delisting from the ASX and transitioning to a private company, Greencross Limited has hired Bras N Things boss George Wahby to replace Simon Hickey as its new chief executive. Wahby has led Bras N Things since 2014, overseeing its international expansion efforts, and prior to that, he ran McWilliam’s Wine Group for six years. He will join the petcare retailer in August. Hickey, who was appointed CEO in March 2018, will leave the business
business forthwith, with executive chairman Paul Mirabelle serving as acting CEO until Wahby starts.
Wahby isn’t the only management change, with several more appointments made in the shift to private ownership.
Andrew McInerny will serve as the group’s chief operating officer of veterinary services, having formerly held the role of chief operating officer of national home doctor services.
Scott Charters rejoined Greencross on June 3, taking up the role of chief operating officer of retail. Charters previously held management positions at Pet Barn and Greencross between 2011 and 2016.
The business also appointed a new chief people and culture officer in Chris Lamb, replacing the outgoing Vince Pollaers, as of July 1.
Aldi executive moves to Super Retail
Super Retail Group has appointed a new managing director to its auto division, with ex-Aldi managing director Benjamin Ward taking up the position as of July 29.
Ward will relocate to Brisbane from Dusseldorf, Germany, to replace outgoing executive Chris Wilesmith, who will leave the business in August.
“Benjamin has consistently prioritised a customer-first approach to retail management, which makes him an excellent fit for our organisation,” said Super Retail Group managing director and chief executive officer Anthony Heraghty.
According to Heraghty, Ward has been instrumental to the global transformation of the German supermarket, and will bring a fresh perspective to the position through his global retailing and supply-chain experience.
Ward said he was excited about the position, and looked forward to driving the next phase of the business’ growth.
“I want to build on the renowned strong culture among our engaged team members to provide an even better experience for our customers,” Ward said.
Wilesmith will depart after 12 years at Super Retail Group, where he was responsible for Supercheap Auto’s retail stores, trade and online business, as well as the company’s Auto Trade Direct and AutoCrew businesses.
Collins Foods promotes KFC veteran
Newman Manion has been promoted to executive director of Collins Foods, a Brisbane-based, publicly listed company best known for operating restaurant chains KFC and Sizzler in Australia and parts of Asia.
Manion has had a long career with Collins Foods and the QSR industry, beginning his career with Yum in 1982. In 1988 he became general manager of KFC in New Zealand. From 1990 to 1995 he was development director of Pepsico Restaurants, which includes KFC, and from 1995 to 2004 was general manager of KFC’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. From 2005 to 2010 he was vice-president of operations for Yum’s Asian franchise business. Also during this period he served as a board member for KFC Japan.
Since 2011, he has been an independent non-executive director of Collins Foods.