Former Virgin Airlines boss Jayne Hrdlicka lands top job at Dan Murphy’s owner Endeavour Group
Former Virgin Airlines boss Jayne Hrdlicka has landed a new job at flagging Dan Murphy’s and BWS owner Endeavour Group.
Ms Hrdlicka won’t formally start as managing director and chief executive until January 1 next year but has agreed to make herself available to meet frequently with the company, which also owns hundreds of local pubs, as it charts its next phase of growth.
Ari Mervis will continue as executive chair until then.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ms Hrdlicka spent four year rebuilding Virgin from the ashes of administration but quit the role last year and handed over to new CEO Dave Emerson last month.
She has also held roles as chief executive of Jetstar and A2 Milk and spent six years as a director with Woolworths until 2016 — which at the time included Endeavour’s brands before it was spun out of the grocer giant as a separately listed company.
Endeavour on Tuesday said she had extensive experience as a senior executive and non-executive director at some of Australiaʼs best known consumer businesses and brands.
“Jayne has a proven track record leading consumer-facing businesses to success,” Mr Mervis said.
“She has led many complex organisations and delivered significant shareholder value by capturing the true potential of a companyʼs brands and assets.
“After an extensive global search, the board is delighted to have secured such a highly capable leader. Jayne brings many strengths to the role including a history of using deep consumer insights to define successful strategy formulation and execution and extensive business transformation experience.
“The board believes Jayne is the ideal candidate to lead Endeavour Group through its next phase of both growth and transformation.ˮ
Ms Hrdlicka said Endeavour had an “unmatched” portfolio of brands.
“I have a long history with Endeavourʼs retail and hotel businesses, initially as a consultant to Woolworths, including on their early liquor strategy, and then as a Woolworths Group board member,” she said.
“Endeavour Group has much to play for. I look forward to working with the 30,000 team members and together, continuing to deliver for millions of valued customers as we look to grow the company and unlock value for all of our shareholders.ˮ
More to come
