Super Retail Group, which owns Rebel, Supercheap Auto, BCF and Macpac in Australia, appointed Fonterra executive Judith Swales as its new Board chair replacing Sally Pitkin, who will retire from the Board after the company’s October annual general meeting.
Super Retail Group announced Pitkin’s planned exit at the company’s annual meeting in 2022.
Pitkin said, “After announcing my intention to stand down from the Board at the end of my term this year, we commenced a comprehensive search as part of our succession planning processes. With her background in high-performing retail businesses and expertise in digital transformation, Judith emerged as the standout candidate for the role of Chair and to lead Super Retail Group through its next phase of growth.
“In her three years on the Board, Judith has played an important role in Board and Committee deliberations, providing a future-focused perspective based on market and customer trends. I look forward to working with Judith as chair-elect over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition,” concluded Pitkin.
Before joining Fonterra in 2013, Swales’ executive roles included managing director of Heinz Australia and CEO and managing director of Goodyear Dunlop, Australia and New Zealand. Earlier in her career, Swales worked in leadership roles at Angus & Robertson and retailers in the UK, including WH Smith. Swales joined Super Retail Group in 2021 as a non-executive director and has also served on the boards of Virgin Australia, Dulux Group and Fosters.
Swales said, “It’s an honor to be appointed chair of such a great Australian company. Super Retail Group has proven a remarkable success story in its two decades as a listed company, and I am confident about the Group’s prospects for long-term growth. I’m determined to build on Sally’s leadership and to work closely with my fellow Board directors, our CEO Anthony Heraghty and his management team in the interests of all shareholders.”
Image courtesy Judith Swales/LinkedIn
