Australian retail conglomerate Wesfarmers has appointed Kate Munnings to its board as a non-executive director, effective from August 1 this year.
Wesfarmers owns low-price retailers Kmart and Target under Kmart Group as well as uniform supplier Workwear Group - with brands including Hard Yakka, King Gee, NNT, Totally Workwear and Workwear Group Uniforms.
Munnings is an experienced non-executive director and senior executive who has gained extensive experience in a career spanning a diverse range of roles, professions and industries.
Munnings began her career in healthcare before studying law, practising as a lawyer and working in senior executive and board positions in healthcare organisations.
From 2020 to 2023, Munnings was managing director and CEO of Virtus Health Limited, a provider of assisted reproductive services listed on the ASX prior to a take-private acquisition in 2022.
From 2016 to 2020, Munnings was COO of Ramsay Health Care, leading the operational performance of its Australian hospitals and community centres. Munnings had a ten-year career with Transfield Services Limited from 2006 to 2016, finishing as chief executive operations following her appointment as chief risk and legal officer and company secretary.
Munnings’ prior experience includes as a partner at both Baker McKenzie and Corrs Chambers Westgarth, and work as a registered nurse in New South Wales.
Currently, she is a non-executive director of Ryman Healthcare Limited, chair of the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre and CEO of Vitrafy Life Sciences Ltd.
Wesfarmers Chairman Michael Chaney said he was pleased to welcome Munnings to the Board.
“Kate brings a unique blend of experience that will complement the capabilities on our board and aligns with our focus on delivering shareholder value over the long term.
Her background in healthcare will be particularly valuable as Wesfarmers continues to develop its Health division.”
Munnings said she was excited to join the Wesfarmers board.
“I look forward to joining Wesfarmers and contributing the insights I have gained from my diverse experiences, particularly most recently within the health sector.”
Munnings will stand for election at the Wesfarmers Annual General Meeting, scheduled on October 31, 2024.