Officeworks announces new managing director

Wesfarmers has appointed a Coles veteran as the new head of Officeworks. Sarah Hunter will take the helm of the specialty retailer as managing director, effective January 1.

Hunter joined Coles in 2010, and is currently overseeing Wesfarmers’ proposed demerger of Coles as program director.

Wesfarmers managing director Rob Scott said he was pleased to see Hunter lead Officeworks into its next phase of growth.

“Over the last eight years, Sarah has been an important player in the turnaround at Coles, with a range of leadership positions spanning operations, finance and commercial roles,” Scott said.

“Sarah demonstrates exceptional commerciality and is well equipped to lead the Officeworks team.”

Hunter, who will report to Scott and join the Wesfarmers Leadership Team, said she is excited about the opportunity.

“It is a privilege to lead this outstanding retail brand, and I look forward to getting started in the new year,” Hunter said.

Hunter will replace current managing director Mark Ward, who announced his intention to retire at the end of 2018 earlier in the year.

Ward said the “time was right” for someone else to steer the ship at Officeworks.

“Collectively we have come a long way on our purpose of ‘helping to make bigger things happen’, but we still have much to do in an ever changing and highly competitive environment,” Ward said at the time of the announcement.

“I am confident that, with the quality of Officeworks’ team and the plans now in place, Officeworks can continue to grow and be successful.”

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