Endeavour Group has appointed Jayne Hrdlicka as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, with her tenure commencing on 1 January 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Hrdlicka will replace outgoing CEO and MD Steve Donohue, who announced in September 2024 that he would be stepping down after a 30-year career with the business. Donohue led the company since 2018 and played a pivotal role in its successful demerger from Woolworths Group in 2021.
Following an extensive global search, the Endeavour Group Board selected Hrdlicka to lead the company into its next phase of growth and transformation. Prior to her official start date, Executive Chairman Ari Mervis will continue to lead the business, but Hrdlicka will work closely with the Board and executive team to engage on key business and strategic matters.
“Jayne has a proven track record leading consumer-facing businesses to success,” Mervis said. “She has led many complex organisations and delivered significant shareholder value by capturing the true potential of a company’s brands and assets.
“After an extensive global search, the Board is delighted to have secured such a highly capable leader. Jayne brings many strengths to the role including a history of using deep consumer insights to define successful strategy formulation and execution and extensive business transformation experience. The Board believes Jayne is the ideal candidate to lead Endeavour Group through its next phase of both growth and transformation.”
Hrdlicka brings significant leadership experience across some of Australia’s best-known consumer-facing brands. Most recently, she served as Group CEO of Virgin Australia, steering the airline through its post-administration recovery and delivering a return to profitability. Her previous roles include Chief Executive of The A2 Milk Company and Group CEO of Jetstar.
She also has a longstanding connection to Endeavour, having previously served on the Woolworths Group Board from 2010 to 2016, during which time Endeavour’s liquor and hotel assets were part of the broader Woolworths portfolio.
“Endeavour Group is an extraordinary company with an unmatched portfolio of brands and assets in its core categories,” she said. “I have a long history with Endeavour’s retail and hotel businesses, initially as a consultant to Woolworths, including on their early liquor strategy, and then as a Woolworths Group Board member. Endeavour Group has much to play for. I look forward to working with the 30,000+ team members and together, continuing to deliver for millions of valued customers as we look to grow the Company and unlock value for all of our shareholders.”
Currently Chair of Tennis Australia, Hrdlicka is credited with growing the sport’s national presence while stewarding one of the world’s premier sporting events, the Australian Open.
Hrdlicka began her career as a management consultant with Bain and Company, first in the United States and later in Australia, rising to Senior Partner. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Management at Dartmouth College.
The Endeavour Board noted Hrdlicka’s proven ability to lead large, complex organisations, with a focus on consumer insights, brand development and business transformation. Her leadership is expected to support the company’s continued growth across its retail and hospitality businesses.
This leadership change marks a new chapter for Endeavour Group, as it builds on its strong foundation to pursue further innovation and value creation.