Woolies boosts DIY division

 

mastersWoolworths’ home improvement division has appointed British retail veteran, Matthew Tyson, as its new MD.

Tyson, who has an extensive home improvement background in retail operations and logistics, and has international experience across the UK, European, and Asian markets, will head the supermarket group’s home improvement division, including Masters and Home Timber and Hardware.

His appointment comes following a six month search for a replacement for Don Stallings. Stallings, who had been with chain since Master’s inception, returned to the US in July last year.

Tyson has had a long career with Europe’s largest home improvement retailer, Kingfisher plc. Tyson served with B&Q for more than 20 years, and was CEO in Asia from 2008 to 2010. Most recently, he was CEO of hardware chain, Castorama, in Russia from 2010 to 2011.

“Matt has already had an extensive career across all facets of home improvement retailing. He brings this to Woolworths, along with his experience of leading young businesses through their infancy into phases of expansion, growth, and profitability,” Grant O’Brien, CEO of Woolworths, said.

“We have been looking for the right person with this experience to replace Don, and I am confident we have found it in Matt.”

Woolworths’ home improvement division is set for a shake-up this year with following the announcement that Mark Burrowes, GM of Home Timber and Hardware, will leave the business in the coming months.

James Aylen, who is currently the GM of buying and merchandising at Home Timber and Hardware, will become GM of Home Timber and Hardware from February.

Aylen and Melinda Smith, director of Masters, will report to Tyson, who will commence his role in mid February.

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