Leading Edge Australia CEO, Lee Scott has decided to step down from his role, moving into semi-retirement to travel with his wife, effective 31 December 2023.
Leading Edge Australia chief operating officer, Charlie Davey has been appointed as Scott’s successor, having served on the leadership team for the last five years. Prior to Leading Edge, he held roles with Camera House, Optus and Big W.
Scott returned to the Leading Edge business in April 2021 as general manager of strategic procurement and was then promoted to CEO in June 2023. He left the company at the end of 2018 after 14 years working across various roles including as group general manager.
“Lee took over the CEO role at a time when the business was under significant pressure given the continuing challenges of the Australian retail marketplace and associated cost of living issues,” Leading Edge Group chairman, Peter Knock said in a statement shared with Appliance Retailer.“He maintained and enhanced the company’s position which has seen continued growth in initiatives such as Staff Shop, Leading Edge Appliances, Diamond Republic, Category and Essentials Membership offerings. Under his stewardship, membership has continued to grow, and the financial performance of the business has stabilised.”
The board thanked Scott for his efforts and support, not only as CEO but his work with Leading Edge which dates back to 2004.
Leading Edge Australia chief operating officer, Charlie Davey has been promoted to CEO.
To support Davey, the board has established an Executive Committee (ExCo) to provide additional advice and experience. Davey will chair the ExCo and Scott has agreed to serve on the ExCo along with current director and previous CEO, Simon Lane, and current executive consultant and ex-CEO, Graham Dear.
“At the end of last financial year, the board made the decision to restructure the Australian business and exit the New Zealand market, which have led to a continued improvement in business performance to date including membership growth. The UK business is now in record breaking areas in financial performance,” Knock continued.
“We take this opportunity to thank our employees for their tireless efforts and commitment to our members, to the members for their continued patronage and business, to our many hundreds of suppliers who provide the backbone and means by which we support our community, and our shareholders for their continued support and understanding as we secure and enhance our business’s future. We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy holiday period and a successful 2024.”