Woolworths Holdings Limited has appointed ex-Marks and Spencer executive, Scott Fyfe as its new chief executive officer of Country Road Group (CRG).

Fyfe replaces Matt Keogh, who is resigning from the business to pursue new career opportunities. He will  commence the role in early 2017 with Ian Moir, WHL Group CEO working with the executive team until this time.

“I would like to extend my warmest thanks to Matt who has made a significant contribution across our Group in Australia and South Africa over the past 11 years,” said Moir.

Scott Fyfe joins CRG after 20 years at global retailer Marks and Spencer, where he has worked in a variety of roles including buying, merchandising and sourcing. Most recently, Fyfe served as director, menswear and kidswear, and merchandising director, womenswear.

“Scott’s depth of experience and track record in one of the world’s most innovative and competitive retail markets will be of great benefit to CRG and its iconic brands,” said Moir.

“Scott’s background takes in the full spectrum of omnichannel operations within a large scale, multi-brand fashion business.”

Commenting on his appointment, Fyfe said, “I am delighted to be joining the Country Road Group which has a portfolio containing some of Australia’s best-loved and most successful clothing and lifestyle brands. This is a dynamic time to be in retail and I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and living in Melbourne with my family.”

In 2006, Fyfe was appointed executive assistant to Lord Rose, CEO and Chairman, having previously led and managed merchandising and buying teams at M&S.

For the past 5 years he was director, menswear responsible for merchandising, buying, design and sourcing. In early 2016, he was also given responsibility for the UK and international growth plans of M&S kidswear. Prior to these roles, Scott was merchandising director, womenswear where he led the delivery of the business’s new fast fashion model and the relocation and integration of M&S’s Per Una business.

He was also previously commercial director, general merchandise, responsible for commercial operations, sourcing and merchandising across the clothing and homeware business.

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.