David Jones has today announced a raft of senior management changes, including group executive merchandise, Donna Player and group executive for marketing, financial services and customer insights, David Robinson, ceasing their roles with immediate effect.

David Collins will replace Donna Player and takes over the merchandise mantle. Collins has 25 years in senior merchandise and commercial retail roles and joins David Jones from Woolworths South Africa, where he worked across womenswear, menswear, kids, home and accessories roles.

“Our business is undergoing a significant transformation and the changes announced today will deliver a world-class leadership team, said John Dixon, CEO, David Jones. “The creation of two new executive roles, combined with the introduction of new skills and experience, reflects key areas of strategic focus and will extend our capabilities during this exciting phase of the business’ development.

“I would like to thank both David and Donna for their strong contribution to the business over the years and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”

Pieter de Wet, currently GM Food has been appointed to the newly created role of group executive food. The new executive position has been created to ‘reflect the expansion of the David Jones food business and the strategic priority dedicated to the further development of this business.’

A new executive role, group executive digital has also been created to lead the expansion of the company’s digital strategy, and will report to John Dixon.

The retail giant said an executive search for this role is ‘well advanced.’

David Thomas, chief operating officer, will manage the marketing function vacated by Collins during the interim period.

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