Myer axes 30 management roles

Myer CEO John King.

Thirty executive and senior management roles at Myer have been axed over the last week in an attempt to reduce costs and barriers between staff and customers.

A Myer spokesperson confirmed the management changes to Inside Retail, though noted there would be no changes to consumer-facing roles.

“From doing a thorough review of the support office, we have identified opportunities to align more closely with our customers, with streamlined roles, clearer accountabilities and improved efficiency,” the spokesperson said.

“As a result of this, a layer of executive and management roles will be leaving the business to align with our structure more closely with our customers.”

The changes are an effort to help Myer operate in a more efficient manner, to improve the financial performance of the business and deliver shareholder value ahead of the group’s upcoming financial report.

The spokesperson did confirm the group would provide support for the affected team members.

The departures come during a difficult week for the department store, which has been embroiled in a court case regarding misleading financial advice given by former chief executive Bernie Brookes.

Myer chief executive John King, who took over from former chief executive Richard Umbers in April 2018, has enacted a hands-on approach to his turnaround strategy – spending two days per week in stores in order to better “put the customer first.”

“I know that Myer holds a special place in Australian retailing, but I also understand that this position has shifted in recent times, and, is being challenged by an ever changing global retail environment,” King said.

“I am confident that we can turn this great company around. We can rebuild pride, confidence and relevance in Myer, especially with our customers.”

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