JOHANNESBURG – Woolworths, South Africa’s food and clothing retail has named Roy Bagattini, as its chief executive with effect from February.
Bagattini, who is currently president of the jean manufacturer, Levi Strauss Americas has a track record on leading retail, food and beverage stores.
He was responsible for leading the company’s largest commercial operations, including a significant network of retail stores, spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Latin America and last year delivered over half of Levi’s global revenue. Roy also played an instrumental role in the development and acceleration of the e-commerce and omni-channel capabilities of Levi Strauss.
Bagattini has an extensive track record of delivering profitable growth and shared-value creation in leadership roles across the US, Middle East, Africa and Europe for consumer goods and beverage companies, most notably Levi Strauss, Carlsberg and SABMiller.
He will take the reins from Ian Moir, who is expected to step down from his position as group chief executive and executive director with effect from February 16.
Woolworths chairperson, Hubert Brody, said the group expected Bagattin to continue to drive the future strategy for the group.
“Roy has extensive operational, management and turnaround experience in global consumer and retail markets, which will prove invaluable as we continue to navigate the structural changes taking place in the retail sector and the challenges particular to our Group. The experienced executive management team, under Roy’s leadership, will continue to drive the future strategy for the Group. The Board welcomes Roy and looks forward to his contribution,” Brody said.
On his appointment Bagattini said it was a great privilege to be given the opportunity to lead this iconic company at this important stage in its history. “I am excited about the tremendous potential of the Group and am looking forward to working with our talented and passionate people to elevate our brands, build deeper connections with our customers and, in doing so, realise this potential across all our businesses.”
In order to ensure a seamless transition, Moir will be working closely with Mr Bagattini to hand over and will continue as acting Chief Executive of David Jones.
Woolworths thanked Moir for his stewardship of the Group for the last nine years where he oversaw a period of significant growth and transformation.