David Jones marketing boss Brett Riddington has left the company amid a major restructure which has seen general manager Sacha Laing take on an expanded marketing and finance role.
Four senior staffers have been appointed in recent months who will report to Laing as head of the Marketing and Financial Services division.
The restructure follows warnings from David Jones in March that its profits could fall by as much as 40%, largely in the face of pressure from online retail. The department store giant also announced a $160 million growth plan which would involve staffing restructures.
Previously, the marketing and financial services departments were combined under Damian Eales, who was general manager of marketing and financial services until his departure in 2010. When he left the company, his role was split, with Riddington taking on the marketing aspect and Matthew Durbin becoming executive director of financial services.
With the departure of Riddington and the appointment of Laing as group executive of marketing and financial services, the departments have once again been merged.
Laing will answer to David Jones chief executive Paul Zahra, who said: “Having the right structure within our management team is critical to us being able to implement our three point strategic plan and to deliver profit after tax growth for our shareholders.
“I am confident that the appointments announced today provide us with the talent, experience and ability to transform our business into a successful omni channel retailer on par with the world's best.”
Four senior staffers will answer to Laing, who have been brought on board in recent months. Former Nike marketer Adriane McDermott has been employed as general manager of marketing across digital and advertising.
Former Toys R Us general manager of marketing and ecommerce Marion Joyce has been brought on as general manager of marketing on promotions and publicity. She has worked previously at David Jones.
Former Foxtel marketer Kate Whitney came on board in late 2011, taking on the role of general manager of marketing for financial services, as revealed by AdNews. Whitney previously reported to Matthew Durbin in the separated financial services department, but will now report to Laing in the combined marketing and financial services arm.
Meanwhile, on the financial side, former Starbucks Australia chief financial officer Gavin Skews will act as general manager of AMEX alliance, also reporting to Laing.
The retail giant has made a number of other senior appointments. Big W's general manager of merchandise and planning Donna Player has been appointed group executive of merchandise. Meanwhile, Matthew Durbin has been appointed to the role of executive of strategic planning.
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