Alister Jordan, former chief of staff for Kevin Rudd while he was Prime Minister, has taken up the role of head of corporate affairs at Coles.

Jordan has been with Wesfarmers for four years, most recently serving as GM of Target.

He succeeds Rob Hadler, who has held the position since 2007.

Another former Rudd staffer also holds a senior role at Coles – former Rudd economic advisor, Andrew Charlton, became head of liquor in June 2013.

Both Jordan and Charlton were recruited to the Wesfarmers fold by CEO, Richard Goyder following Rudd’s defeat by Julia Gillard.

Coles MD, Ian McLeod, hands over the reins to John Durkan at the end of this month.