Woolworths Group has announced veteran drinks executive Steve Donohue has been appointed CEO of its proposed spin-off Endeavour Group.
In a statement released on Thursday, the retailer said Donohue will be supported by Colin Storrie as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer (elect).
“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Steve and Colin to the key roles within Endeavour Group, subject to the Board approving the demerger of Endeavour Group,” commented Woolworths Group Chairman, Gordon Cairns.
“Both Steve and Colin are highly experienced executives and have held key leadership roles across
Woolworths Group in food, drinks and hospitality.
“With their in-depth knowledge of the industry and deep understanding of the business, they’re ideally placed to oversee the next phase of growth for Endeavour Group, while also sustaining and building on our existing partnership.”
Donohue has held a broad range of roles across the drinks business, starting as a store manager in Dan Murphy’s as a 19-year-old and progressing into senior buying, merchandising and marketing roles in Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Endeavour Drinks.
He also held the Director of Buying and Merchandising position for Woolworths Supermarkets prior to taking on the role of Managing Director, Endeavour Drinks.
Formerly of Qantas and AMP, Storrie joined Woolworths in 2015 as Group Deputy CFO and in July 2016 was appointed Managing Director, Group Portfolio Businesses.
During this time, he also served on the boards of ALH Group Pty Ltd and the Quantium Group.
“All roles are subject to completion of all relevant regulatory approvals and will only take effect if the Woolworths Group Board approves the demerger of Endeavour Group,” Woolworths said.
“Until then, Steve and Colin will continue in their current roles.”
In December, Peter Hearl was named as the proposed Chairman-elect of Endeavour Group.