Super Retail Group Appoints Judith Swales as New Chairwoman

Highlights:

• New Leadership: Judith Swales, a Fonterra executive, has been appointed as the new chairwoman of Super Retail Group, succeeding Sally Pitkin after the October AGM.
• Legal Challenges: The company faces unresolved legal issues involving its CEO, Anthony Heraghty, and HR head, Jane Kelly, with allegations of a secret relationship and bullying.
• Board Changes: In addition to Pitkin's retirement, non-executive director Howard Mowlem will also leave the board at the end of June, with a search for his replacement underway.

Leadership Transition Announced

Super Retail Group (ASX: SUL), the parent company of Rebel, Supercheap Auto, BCF, and Macpac, has appointed Judith Swales as its new chairwoman. Swales, currently an executive at Fonterra, will succeed Sally Pitkin, who is set to retire following the company's annual general meeting in October.

Background and Experience

Swales brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a non-executive director at Super Retail since 2021. Her extensive background includes roles on the boards of Virgin Australia, Dulux Group, and Fosters. She has also held executive positions at Heinz Australia and Goodyear Dunlop, Australia and New Zealand. Swales will leave her position as global markets chief executive at Fonterra next month to take on her new responsibilities at Super Retail.

Ongoing Legal Concerns

Pitkin's departure comes amid unresolved legal issues involving Super Retail's chief executive, Anthony Heraghty, and head of human resources, Jane Kelly. Allegations of a secret relationship and bullying were brought forward by two senior staff members, who are seeking damages between $30 million and $50 million. These claims have not yet resulted in any legal filings.

Strategic Vision

In her statement, Pitkin expressed confidence in Swales' ability to lead the company through its next phase of growth, citing her expertise in high-performing retail businesses and digital transformation. Swales echoed this sentiment, praising Super Retail's success over the past two decades and expressing her commitment to building on Pitkin's leadership. She emphasized her dedication to working closely with the board, CEO Anthony Heraghty, and the management team to ensure continued success for the company and its shareholders.

Board Changes

In addition to Pitkin's retirement, non-executive director Howard Mowlem will also step down from the board at the end of June. The company is actively searching for his replacement as it navigates this period of significant leadership transition.

Customer Notice:

Nextgen Global Services Pty Ltd trading as Kapitales Research (ABN 89 652 632 561) is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No. 1293674) of Enva Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 424494). The information contained in this website is general information only. Any advice is general advice only. No consideration has been given or will be given to the individual investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. The decision to invest or trade and the method selected is a personal decision and involves an inherent level of risk, and you must undertake your own investigations and obtain your own advice regarding the suitability of this product for your circumstances. Please be aware that all trading activity is subject to both profit & loss and may not be suitable for you. The past performance of this product is not and should not be taken as an indication of future performance.

Kapitales Research, Level 13, Suite 1A, 465 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, NSW 2067, Australia | 1800 005 780 | info@kapitales.com