Myer has confirmed a number of changes to its board and management team with the appointment of Qantas Loyalty CEO, Olivia Wirth as CEO and executive chair.

An independent non-executive director on the Myer board since October 2023, Wirth will assume her role as chair immediately and CEO and executive chair responsibility from 4 June 2024.

Myer CEO and managing director, John King will remain in his role until 3 June 2024 to enable a seamless handover. Incumbent chair, Ari Mervis is retiring from the board, effective 14 March 2024.

Wirth spent almost 15 years with Qantas, starting as head of corporate affairs and public relations before being promoted to group executive for corporate affairs and government relations and then group executive for brand, marketing and corporate affairs. Prior to being appointed Qantas Loyalty CEO, she had a brief stint as Qantas chief customer officer.

Wirth is also a non-executive director for the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and UNICEF Australia.

“Olivia’s appointment is a great outcome for Myer customers, team members, brand partners and shareholders. I have worked closely with Olivia since she joined the board and I have been impressed with her hands-on approach, commitment to customers and support for the team. Myer has an exciting future with the appointment of Olivia as executive chair,” King said.

Commenting on her new role, Wirth said: “I am honoured to lead one of Australia’s iconic businesses and brands into a new and exciting phase. Myer is loved by millions of Australians and is one of the country’s most enduring retailers thanks to the dedication of our team and the loyalty of our customers.

“The next chapter in Myer’s story requires us to continue tackling some significant challenges and meet the changing needs of our customers. I am focused on delivering improved outcomes for our customers, team members and all Myer shareholders.”

Wirth said her immediate priorities will be delivering a “great in-store experience with a world-class range and best-in-class customer service”, while investing in-ecommerce and harnessing loyalty and partnerships among customers and suppliers.

The board has also appointed independent non-executive director, Dr Gary Weiss into a newly created role as deputy chair and lead independent director, to enhance governance.

Myer executive general manager of stores, Tony Sutton has been promoted to the new position of chief operating officer, reporting to Wirth. Sutton has been with Myer for 30 years, including more than a decade on the executive management group (EMG).

Feature image (L-R): Ari Mervis, Olivia Wirth & John King.