Endeavour Group has today provided an update on its search for a new CEO and Managing Director, as well as the appointment of two new Non-executive Directors.
In September last year Endeavour’s CEO and Managing Director, Steve Donohue announced his intention to step down, after 30 years with the business, including more than six years as CEO.
Today, Endeavour said that while its global search for a new CEO is “well progressed”, the Board “expects that the start date for a new CEO will occur after Mr Donohueʼs 12 month notice period expires”.
In order to cover this potential time gap, the Board has agreed that Chairman Ari Mervis will be appointed as Executive Chairman with effect from 17 March, 2025. At this time Donohue will relinquish the CEO and MD role, with Mervis to continue in his revised role for up to 12 months to “ensure stable leadership while the appointment of the new CEO is finalised”.
Mervis said: “Steve is a rare CEO who over the course of his 30 career rose from the shop floor to the top job, and he leaves behind a significant legacy with Endeavour Group. His passion for the customer and drive are known across Endeavour as well as the broader industry, and on behalf of the Board I thank him for his commitment to the business.
“As Executive Chairman, I look forward to working with the Endeavour Team on improving the businessʼ performance to realise the full potential of Endeavourʼs unmatched assets. I intend to accelerate further opportunities to generate growth and prioritise efficiencies and cost savings, as part of Endeavourʼs strategy to simplify the business and focus on the core strategic pillars.”
The Board also announced the appointment of two new Non-executive Directors in Penny Winn and Peter Hardy, following receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals and completion of all probity processes.
Mervis said: “Penny brings to the Board a deep understanding of all facets of retail operations, including merchandising, supply chain, transformation and digital marketing and her experience as a public company director extends across a diverse range of industries, including retail, beverages, property and e-commerce.
“Peter was nominated by the Bruce Mathieson Group and brings to the Board over 35 years of experience across retail, liquor, hotel and gaming operations, having held senior leadership positions in ALH Hotels and Endeavour Group most recently as General Manager, Hotel Acquisitions.
“We are most fortunate to have Penny and Peter join the Board and I look forward to their contributions to the Boardʼs deliberations.”
Both new Board appointments will be effective from Monday, 3 March 2025.