Peter Barnes, Chairman of Metcash Limited has announced that he will retire later in August. As a result, former CEO of Lion and Nestle Oceania, Robert Murray, has been appointed to Metcash’s Board of Directors as Non-Executive Director and will become Chairman once Mr. Barnes steps down later in the year.

Mr. Barnes said: “It is my stated intention to retire from Metcash during my current term and I announce today [29 April] that I have advised the Board that I will do so at the conclusion of the 2015 AGM.

“Rob will spend the next four months as a Non-Executive Director before assuming the role of Chairman following the 2015 AGM.”

“With considerable and broad based sector experience, including as former CEO of Lion and also Nestle Oceania, Rob’s expertise, especially in retail, FMCG and his in-depth understanding of consumers will be a great asset to Metcash as we continue the company’s transformation journey”, Mr. Barnes added.