By Matthew Henry
SYDNEY: Retravision this morning announced a restructure which will see sweeping changes to the group including the dismantling of the national office based in New South Wales and changes to its senior executive.
“The Retravision national office in NSW will close by September 30th and will transfer remaining activities to resources across the existing regions – Western, Southern, Northern and its New Zealand operations,” said the company in a statement this morning.
Effective from July, Ken Chamberlain will take up a newly created role as national merchandise manager, which will encompass all aspects of negotiating national trading terms, buying and supply chain management and driving the strategic planning processes for the buying function. All Retravision category team leaders will report to Chamberlain.
“Over time Ken will create a national marketing team by merging the current state based marketing functions. One of a number of projects to be undertaken will be the creation of a national catalogue program, removing completely regionally based catalogues and strengthening Retravision’s national position,” said the company.
Retravision CEO, Keith Perkin, will remain with the business in a support role until 31 December.
“Keith has been with Retravision for five years and during this time has helped create the firm foundations which underpin these changes,” said the company.
Retravision hopes the restructure will create an environment of greater alignment across the three regions and New Zealand, with the national board taking an active role in directing the business and ensuring the outcomes are “delivered on time, on budget and work effectively”.
“The senior executive group, made up of regional CEOs and the two appointees mentioned above will report directly to the national board on all matters relating to national projects. The board will also become more involved with suppliers to ensure that direction and intent is aligned and appropriate.”
Driss Toukhsati has been appointed to the role of national chief information officer, commencing in the position in August. Toukhsati’s primary responsibility will be to project-manage the replacement of existing store-based retail systems with new software.
“The new system will simplify store-based processing and help to drive efficiencies. Both Ken Chamberlain and Driss Toukhsati will be based in the Retravision Southern offices in Melbourne,” said the statement.
Retravision said the new structure is the result of discussion among its members since March this year.
Over this time, the group has analysed its national business structure and believes it has now created a platform that will not only reinvigorate the business in NSW, but will create a more streamlined approach nationally.
“It was clear to the national board of directors and senior management group that a radical business review and change program was required,” said Retravision national chairman, Bill Harries, in this morning’s statement.
“Simplifying and aligning some of our business functions will result in a leaner, more effective structure creating benefits for the regions and Retravision as a national business.”