Former Bauer Media CEO, Matthew Stanton is believed to be taking up the role of chief transformation officer at retail giant Woolworths, AdNews understands.
Bauer Media announced that Stanton was leaving the publisher in October, and at the time of his departure Woolworths told AdNews that he would be commencing a senior business development role in February.
Woolworths declined to comment but Stanton's title and brief is part of a remit to work with Woolworths CEO Grant O'Brien on his Mercury Two plan. The plan aims transform not just the food arm but also all offerings through out the group. A focus will be streaming the online shopping experience across the group.
The Mercury Two plan was put in motion by some key acquisitions by Woolies in recent years, including a 50% stake in data and analytics firms Quantium, to improve its credentials in the customer data area. It also bought New Zealand clothing and homewares retailer EziBuy in 2013.
Business Spectator reported in March that as part of its transformation Woolworths would be looking to bring in a cross-brand operation, where can pick up their online orders from any Woolworths owned business, such as Big W, Dan Murphy's, Masters and participating Caltex service stations.
A similar model is in place in the UK, with department store John Lewis offering a similar service from its supermarket business Waitrose.
The Mercury Two project will take an estimated 5 years, however the changes could see online sales jumping to 10-20% of total sales – similar to rates already seen in the UK.
It is understood that McKinsey & Company consulting is also involved in the businesses transformation.
For more news:
Matthew Stanton to depart Bauer for Woolworths
Customer data on steroids: Woolworths buys into Quantium
Woolworths partners with iconic Hills Hoist brand
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