Andrew Jennings to head Woolworths retail business

29 Aug '06

3 min read

Woolworths Holdings Limited is delighted to announce that Andrew Jennings, currently President & Chief Operating Officer of Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises in New York, has been appointed Group managing director: Retail for Woolworths and will be taking up his new role in December 2006.

Jennings is not new to South African retail, having started in retailing at Greaterman's in the late 70's and early '80's. Since then Jennings has had extensive experience in Europe and North America. He has served in leadership roles in Harrods, London, Brown Thomas in Southern Ireland, Holt Renfrew in Canada and currently at Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises in New York.

“Woolworths is a great South African retailer and I couldn't be more excited to be joining Simon Susman and his talented team,” said Jennings. “I am looking forward to returning to South Africa and being part of Woolworths continued success. South Africa is a unique and dynamic market place with significant potential.”

Commenting on this appointment, Simon Susman, Chief executive of Woolworths said, “I am delighted that we are able to attract international talent of Andrew's calibre and we look forward to applying some of his international learning and experience in our local market.”

“Andrew is appointed Group managing director for Woolworths retail and will be responsible for further integrating the selling and buying side of our business,” explained Susman. “Andrew will take responsibility for all product areas (clothing, home, beauty, food and technology) and marketing, taking over from Richard Butt who will be retiring at the end of this year. Andrew will also be responsible for the selling side of Woolworths, working closely with Kevin Stanford, Director of selling, to bring our customers a better and more integrated experience in our stores.”

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