Chris Baddock has made the difficult decision to retire from his role as CEO of Metcash’s Liquor pillar due to ongoing health issues.
Baddock will take a four month break to focus on his health and will then commence a part-time advisory role with Metcash to assist with the ongoing growth and success of the Liquor pillar, which includes Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM) and Independent Brands Australia (IBA).
Since joining Metcash in 2019, Baddock has overseen sales growth of almost 40 per cent across all key areas of Metcash’s Liquor pillar. This includes sales to retail and on-premise customers, and in owned and exclusive brands. He leaves the Liquor team in a strong position to continue with its successful growth strategy.
John Barakat, the Liquor pillar’s General Manager of Merchandise and Operations, will lead the Liquor team while Metcash undertakes an extensive search for a successor, including both internal and external candidates.
Metcash Group CEO Doug Jones wished Baddock all the best for a full recovery and thanked him for all of his work in championing successful independents over the years.
Jones told National Liquor News: “It is sad to see Chris retire from his role as CEO but we understand the decision to prioritise his health. He leaves behind a formidable legacy and a business well positioned for continued success.
“Metcash will be undertaking an extensive search for a successor and in the interim it is business as usual for both ALM and IBA. We will continue to work closely with our retailers and suppliers on championing the success of independents.
“I am pleased to have Chris on board in an advisory capacity as we work together towards our purpose of Championing Successful Independents, a purpose that I know Chris is a strong proponent of.”
The team at National Liquor News and The Shout would like to wish Chris Baddock all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
Chris has brought back a culture not only to the business but also to the Independent Liquor Industry. We have seen immense growth in area’s such as Loyalty, ECommerce, and Private Label. Thank you Chris for your outstanding committment to your role over the last 4 years or so. Your results are obvious to the IBA/ALM network!