Department store Myer has appointed Mark Medwell as the new chief information officer, with his role commencing in February 2025.
Executive chair Olivia Wirth confirmed the news in an email to staff, saying that Medwell joins the department store from Cotton On Group.
For the last eight and a half years, Medwell has been responsible for the end-to-end technology function at Cotton On Group supporting 1,400 stores across 23 countries.
“Mark is an experienced IT leader having led major business integration and change initiatives on a global scale,” Wirth shared to staff in an email. “Prior to Cotton On, Mark has had exposure to the FMCG, mining, and logistics sectors.
“I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Mark to Myer when he commences in early February 2025.”
The latest addition follows a recent reshuffle of Myer’s c-suite and senior leadership roles, including the appointment of Darren Wedding as the new chief supply chain officer - pulled over from Super Retail Group.
Myer has also recently appointed Andrew Taylor as the chief information officer following the exit of Ben Fitzgerald last month. Taylor was moved over from Qantas.
Meanwhile, the former CEO of Cedar Brands in the United States, Warwick Blunt, has taken on the newly constructed role of GM of digital commerce.
In the fashion and beauty department, Wirth confirmed in October this year that two new roles have been created: general merchandise manager for beauty, accessories and services, and GMM of women’s apparel.
Belinda Slifkas took on the interim responsibility for the new women’s apparel role in conjunction with her current portfolio GMM of apparel, home, and entertainment. Wirth said Myer will appoint a GMM of beauty, accessories and services soon.
As a result of these changes, GMM of womenswear, intimates, footwear, accessories and beauty Annabel Talbot will be leaving the business.
This all comes amid a merger between Myer and Premier Investments, with the department store taking on Premier Retail's five retail subsidiaries Jay Jays, Just Jeans, Jacqui E, Dotti and Portmans. In return, Myer will distribute 890.5 million new, fully paid ordinary shares in Myer to Premier shareholders.
To sweeten the deal, Premier also offered $82 million in cash.
Also as part of the merger, Premier chair Solomon Lew will be offered a seat on the Myer board. The deal is still subject to approval by Myer and Premier shareholder votes.