New Woolworths CEO announces major leadership shake-up
· The South African
Woolworths Holdings has announced a significant overhaul of its leadership structure and operating model as newly appointed Group CEO Sam Ngumeni moves to accelerate decision-making, improve accountability and position the retailer for future growth.
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The changes, which take effect from 1 July 2026, follow a review by Ngumeni, who concluded that the group’s operating model had not kept pace with its strategic ambitions.
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Bring accountability
According to the company, the new structure is designed to bring accountability closer to where value is created, reduce duplication and enable faster execution across the business.
As part of the changes, two senior executives will leave the group.
Chief Customer Officer Spencer Sonn and Fashion, Beauty and Home (FBH) CEO Nuholt Huisamen will depart, with Woolworths thanking both executives for their contributions.
Several key appointments have been announced.
Chan Pillay, currently Commercial Director for Food, has been appointed CEO of Woolworths Food, while Manie Maritz, the current CEO of Woolworths Ventures, will postpone his planned retirement to lead the FBH division.
The retailer has also created a new Chief Operating Officer position to oversee supply chain, logistics, retail operations, stores, property development and the group’s Rest of Africa network.
Bradley Nitsckie, currently Chief Supply Chain Officer, will assume the role.
Technology functions are being consolidated into a new Digital and Technology Division, combining online operations, information technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cyber security.
Christie Koorts has been appointed Chief Digital and Technology Officer.
Recognising the importance of its brand, Woolworths has also established a Chief Marketing Officer position.
Simphiwe Pato, currently Director of Brand and Marketing, has been named Interim Chief Marketing Officer, with responsibility expanded to include sustainability and loyalty programmes.
Integrated
Meanwhile, Woolworths Ventures will be integrated into the core business following the completion of its incubation mandate.
WEdit will move into the FBH division, while WCellar will be incorporated into the Food business. Absolute Pets will continue operating under its existing board structure.
Food Services, including WCafé and Now Now, will move into the Strategy portfolio, led by Chris Brikkels, who has been appointed WHL Director of Strategy.
Several leadership positions remain unchanged.
Finance will continue to be led by Chief Financial Officer Zaid Manjra, People by Group People Director Melanie Naidu, Governance, Risk and Compliance by Chantel Reddiar, and Country Road Group by CEO Steven Cook.
Ngumeni said the new structure places the right people in the right roles and creates a more agile organisation capable of delivering on its ambitions.
Woolworths believes the revised operating model will simplify operations, strengthen trading performance and improve efficiency across the group as it navigates a rapidly evolving retail landscape.
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