The CEO of Metcash’s liquor pillar, Chris Baddock, has retired due to health reasons after about four years at the company.

Baddock is expected to take a four-month break before acting as a part-time advisor for Metcash.

Baddock joined Metcash in 2019 and has overseen growth across key areas of the liquor business including sales to retail and on-premise customers, and in owned and exclusive brands.

He leaves behind a successful growth strategy and an experienced management team well regarded by customers and suppliers, the company said.

John Barakat, GM of merchandise and operations, will lead the liquor team while the company searches for a successor, both internally and externally.

“Chris has made a significant contribution to the liquor pillar and Metcash more broadly, and the board and I sincerely thank him for his efforts and wish him all the best for a full recovery,” said Doug Jones, Metcash group CEO.

“I am pleased to have Chris on board in an advisory capacity as we work together towards our purpose of Championing Successful Independents, a purpose that I know Chris is a strong proponent of.”