What: Myer announces major executive team restructuring, including key appointments from competitors, as it accelerates its transformation into a diversified retail platform following its merger with Premier Investments.

Why it is important: These executive changes reflect the broader transformation of department stores globally, as they seek to combine digital innovation, operational efficiency, and brand management expertise to remain competitive.

Myer has announced significant changes to its executive leadership team as it advances its transformation from a traditional department store into a leading diversified retail platform. The restructuring includes the appointment of Kathy Karabatsas, former CFO of David Jones, as the company's new chief financial officer, replacing Matt Jackman after his eight-year tenure. Additionally, Megan Collins joins as chief people officer, bringing experience from Treasury Wine Estates, while Mark Medwell takes on the role of chief information officer to strengthen digital innovation and operational efficiency. The company is also creating a new chief product officer position to oversee the integration of three standalone Myer-owned brands - sass & bide, Marcs, and David Lawrence. These changes come as Myer completes its merger with Premier Investments' Apparel brands, expanding its retail network to over 700 stores across Australia and New Zealand. Executive chair Olivia Wirth emphasized that these leadership changes will enhance the company's capability to drive the next phase of growth for the expanded group.

IADS Notes: Myer's executive team restructuring represents the latest phase in its comprehensive transformation journey. Following the January 2025 A USD 864 million merger with Premier Investments, which created a retail network of over 780 locations, the company is strategically positioning itself for its next growth phase. This leadership overhaul, including the appointment of former David Jones CFO Kathy Karabatsas, builds on the strategic direction outlined in September 2024, when Myer announced ambitious targets including A USD 1 billion in annual e-commerce sales and enhanced loyalty program optimization. However, as highlighted in January 2025 analysis, retail experts remain divided about the merger's long-term viability, particularly regarding potential brand cannibalization and operational complexity across the expanded portfolio. The creation of a new Chief Product Officer role to oversee Myer-owned brands like sass & bide, Marcs, and David Lawrence demonstrates the company's commitment to brand integration and portfolio management, addressing some of these concerns while advancing its evolution from a traditional department store into a diversified retail platform.

Australian department store owner Myer in major executive shake-up