Macpac CEO steps down, Priceline GM to take over Outdoor brand Macpac’s long-time leader Alex Brandon has signalled his exit from the business, with Priceline general manager of retail operations Cathy Seaholme to take his place in October. Brandon has been chief executive at Macpac since 2012, and continued in the role through Super Retail Group’s acquisition of the camping and travel brand. “It has been a privilege to lead our passionate team of dedicated [people] who have contributed to
ibuted to the success of Macpac and grown awareness of a truly authentic and sustainable brand,” Brandon said. “I am particularly proud of our track record of leading innovation without in any way diminishing our proud heritage deep-rooted in adventure.”
As part of the transition, Seaholme will relocate to New Zealand and will be based in Christchurch.
Super Retail Group chief executive Anthony Heraghty welcomed Seaholme to the position and thanked Brandon for the effort he put into the business.
“In wishing Alex all the best for the future, we acknowledge his critical role in successfully integrating Macpac with Super Retail Group and thank him for his leadership and his commitment to maintaining the heritage, quality and integrity of the Macpac brand,” Heraghty said.
Richard Umbers was the CEO of Myer from 2015-2018. Image: Supplied
Former Myer CEO Richard Umbers takes on role in healthcare
Former Myer CEO Richard Umbers will start his new role as global CEO at Ryman Healthcare in October.
A press release from the organisation states that Ryman is New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator and launched the model of integrated living and care in Australasia.
“We are delighted to have secured Richard’s services and we believe he will be a great fit at Ryman,” Ryman Healthcare Chair Dr David Kerr said in a statement.
“This is a special company with a strong culture and a team committed to the care and welfare of our residents. We believe Richard has the right mix of commercial and executive skills and qualities to continue to foster that culture and build on it to prepare Ryman for the enormous growth we see in the years ahead.’’
Umbers is based in Melbourne and is looking to relocate to New Zealand in the near future.
He was most recently division director of buying at Kaufland and was previously managing director of Progressive Enterprises in New Zealand, which now trades as Countdown supermarkets. He has also held senior roles at Woolworths, Australia Post and Aldi.
L’Occitane welcomes new global CEO
French beauty business The L’Occitane Group has announced the appointment of Andre J. Hoffmann as its new CEO, taking over from Reinold Geiger, who led the business for more than 25 years.
Hoffmann will also continue his previous role as the vice-chairman of the board and executive director, while Geiger continues to be board chairman and executive director.
L’Occitane said in a statement: “Under the new organisational structure, Hoffmann will drive the Group’s strategic planning to leverage the strengths of its core business in order to scale innovations and create large-scale new businesses, while continuing to build each brand’s unique identity.”
Hoffmann has worked at L’Occitane for more than 25 years and has held various senior leadership roles. Between 1995 and 2017, he was in charge of the brand’s Asia-Pacific business. He was appointed executive director in 2001 and vice-chairman in 2016.