Rebel's parent company Super Retail Group will appoint its non-executive director Judith Swales as chair of the company.
Swales is expected to succeed current chair Sally Pitkin on October 24, 2024 this year at the conclusion of its annual general meeting, with Pitkin having announced her retirement from the board in 2022.
As well as sporting brand Rebel, Super Retail Group manages outdoorwear brand Macpac alongside lifestyle brands BCF and Supercheap Auto.
Amid her new appointment, Swales will stand down next month from her current role of global markets CEO at global dairy company Fonterra.
Before joining Fonterra in 2013, Swales’ executive roles included managing director of Heinz Australia and CEO and MD of Goodyear Dunlop AU/NZ.
Earlier in her career, Swales worked in leadership roles at Angus & Robertson and retailers in the United Kingdom, including WH Smith.
Swales joined Super Retail Group in 2021 as a non-executive director and has also served on the boards of Virgin Australia, Dulux Group and Fosters.
“After announcing my intention to stand down from the board at the end of my term this year, we commenced a comprehensive search as part of our succession planning processes,” Pitkin said.
“With her background in high-performing retail businesses and expertise in digital transformation, Judith emerged as the standout candidate for the role of Chair and to lead Super Retail Group through its next phase of growth.
“In her three years on the board, Judith has played an important role in board and committee deliberations, providing a future-focused perspective based on market and customer trends.
“I look forward to working with Judith as chair-elect over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”
Swales called the new appointment an honour, saying the company has proven a success in its two decades as a listed company and that she is confident about the group’s prospects for long-term growth.
“I’m determined to build on Sally’s leadership and to work closely with my fellow board directors, our CEO Anthony Heraghty and his management team in the interests of all shareholders.”
Amid the chair swap, Super Retail Group also confirmed non-executive director Howard Mowlem will retire from the board on June 29 this month. A formal search for Mowlem’s replacement is well advanced, according to the company.
Swales assumed Mowlem’s role as chair of the board audit committee on May 31, a position she will hold until commencing as chair.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Howard for his contribution to Super Retail Group over the past seven years,” Pitkin said. “He’s been a valued member of the Board and his sound judgement and counsel has been greatly appreciated. We wish him well with his retirement.”