The Winning Group, which includes the Winning Appliances and Appliances Online businesses, confirmed an executive restructure in June, sparking a recruitment drive.
Winning Group CEO, John Winning said, “It’s with regret that we announce the resignation of Jo Devery, chief merchandise and buying officer and Fabio Bertola, head of Appliances Online buying. Jo and Fabio have added great value to Winning Group’s buying team and we thank them both for their hard work and contribution over the years,” Winning said in the statement.
“After careful consideration, we have decided we will not be replacing the role of chief buying and merchandise officer. However, we are currently recruiting for other roles within both Winning Appliances and Appliances Online buying teams.
“Within Winning Appliances, Con Verteouris (pictured below), currently Redfern and Crows Nest store manager, will be elevated to head of NSW retail, effective July 1, 2016. Con has demonstrated success running both Redfern and Crows Nest stores and the appointment will see him lead NSW store managers, creating a consistent store structure across all states. Con’s new role will open opportunities for management positions at Redfern and Crows Nest.
“Winning Group constantly strives to enhance its business structure to ensure we stay ahead of the curve, in an increasingly technology led retail environment, to deliver a world class shopping experience for our current and future customers,” he said.
This followed the appointment of Katharina Kuehn (pictured below) earlier in the month, in the newly created position, head of neurostrategy and innovation, to help provide tailored and meaningful user experiences at every stage of the customer journey.
Previously neuromarketing strategist, director and co-founder of RDG Insights, Winning Group CEO, John Winning said Katharina’s appointment highlights the changing retail landscape and the importance of leveraging new and innovative ways to connect and understand the changing needs of customers.
“With a heavy focus on Appliances Online and Electro Seconds, Katharina’s expertise will assist us in continuing to leverage our brands’ positioning in the market to maximize conversion rates, target segments and growth opportunities in the marketplace,” Winning said.
Most recently, Alex Mackenzie was appointed senior category manager for whitegoods at Winning Appliances in October. Mackenzie previously held positions at AIMIA and most recently Appliances Online as the small appliances category manager. He brings a decade of buying and merchandising experience to the role.
Commenting on the appointment, Winning Appliances CEO, David Woollcott said: “We’re thrilled to have Alex join the Winning Appliances team. With an existing knowledge of the industry and the Winning Appliances business, Alex will be key in helping us continue to bring Australians the world’s best range of appliances for every customer need.”
Winning Appliances head of buying and merchandise, Sam Zalin said: “Alex has done a fantastic job in growing the small appliances category in the Appliances Online business and will be a great asset in helping grow the whitegoods category within Winning Appliances.”
Alex Mackenzie added, “I am pleased to be joining Winning Appliances during such an exciting period and look forward to working with Sam and the team to achieve further success for the whitegoods category”.