Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Fyfe as CEO of David Jones effective from 26th October 2020, replacing Ian Moir who has served as interim CEO for the past eight months.

Scott’s appointment comes after four years as CEO of Country Road Group (CRG), having joined WHL with 20 years of global retail experience at Marks & Spencer in the UK.

Ian will be leaving the business following the completion of a comprehensive handover to Scott in coming weeks.

Roy Bagattini, WHL Group CEO, said: “Scott has a proven track record of transformation and strategic delivery, having built a world class team to re-establish Country Road Group’s iconic brands. At CRG he has delivered market-leading online growth while optimising and repurposing store footprint. We look forward to Scott’s contribution and the application of his skills and expertise as we accelerate the turnaround of the David Jones business.”

“We would like to thank Ian for his contribution to the Group over more than 20 years, including his earlier leadership of Country Road Group and then as WHL Group CEO. We wish Ian all the very best in his future endeavours.”

On his appointment, Scott Fyfe, CEO-elect David Jones said: “David Jones is one of Australia’s most iconic retail brands and is backed by an exceptionally strong culture of commitment to quality and style. I look forward to leading the team and working with our many partners as we focus on the changing behaviours of our customers and delivering products and experiences for the future.

“I am extremely proud to have led the County Road Group team over the past four years, having together transformed the business into a leading omnichannel retailer. I have great confidence in the future growth of this business and look forward to working closely with each of the CRG brands as we continue to leverage their exclusivity within David Jones.”

Scott’s appointment follows an internal and external recruitment process, the timing of which was impacted by the need to ensure operational stability and focus in both David Jones and the Country Road Group as the business worked through the impacts of the pandemic.

A comprehensive recruitment process for a new CEO of Country Road Group is underway. An update will be provided at the appropriate time.

To ensure continuity and support strategic implementation, Elle Roseby, Managing Director Country Road, and Simon Schofield, Managing Director Witchery and Trenery, will jointly lead the CRG business reporting to Roy Bagattini. The MIMCO and Politix brands will report to Elle and Simon respectively.