Woolworths has announced significant changes to senior management roles in both its Food and Liquor businesses today.

The most significant change sees Brad Banducci, previously Director of Liquor at Woolworths, appointed as Managing Director of the Australian Food and Liquor business.

Woolworths Chief Executive Officer, Grant O’Brien said today: “We have appointed a new leadership team under Brad Banducci as Managing Director, Australian Food and Liquor.

“Our Liquor business is the undisputed market leader and the best example of innovation in Australian retail, and Brad Banducci and his team have furthered that success.”

As there is currently no replacement for the Director of Liquor role, Mr. Banducci will continue to be responsible for Woolworths Liquor Group (WLG) until the role is filled. While Martin Smith, General Manager of Dan Murphy’s, will act as Director of WLG to provide support to Mr. Banducci.

In addition and under Mr. Banducci, Dave Chambers, previously Managing Director at Woolworths’ Progressive Enterprises Limited business, has been appointed as Director of Woolworths Supermarkets.

“This change places our best talent to lead our biggest businesses. Together, Brad and Dave bring the right mix of experience and the ability to create a winning operating culture”, Mr. O’Brien said.

Both changes come as a result of the resignation of Tjeerd Jegen as Managing Director, Australian Supermarkets and Petrol.

Tjeerd Jegen said: “After almost four years in Australia and 15 years away from my home country of the Netherlands, I will be returning to Europe.  I would like to thank the Australian Supermarkets and Petrol team for the last four years and would like to wish Brad and Dave all the best in their new roles.”

It was also announced this week that Woolworths’ Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group (ALH) Merchandise Manager, Ian Kingham has resigned. Mr. Kingham worked for the buying team for a number of years, as well as in other key roles in the WLG business. Mr. Kingham has left to pursue his interests in writing beer literature, as well as speaking, training and consulting. WLG is currently in the process of recruiting a new ALH Merchandise Manager.