Olivia Wirth overhauls Myer executive team to become ‘leading retail platform’

Myer boss Olivia Wirth has tapped a former executive from rival department store David Jones as its new chief financial officer as part of a broader revamp after its merger with Solomon Lew’s fashion brands.

Myer has recruited Kathy Karabatsas as CFO to replace Matt Jackman, who is leaving the business after eight years to pursue other opportunities. Ms Karabatsas served as CFO of David Jones from 2021 to 2023.

Myer on Friday told the market it had also appointed Megan Collins — who has worked at gold miner Newcrest Mining and Treasury Wine Estates — as chief people officer.

Mark Medwell, who was at Cotton On Group for more than eight years, has been named as Myer’s new chief information officer.

The sweeping changes, which also includes several general manager appointments, came a year after the former Qantas loyalty boss Ms Wirth was parachuted into the executive chair role at Myer.

“These leadership changes materially enhance our capability to drive the next phase of growth for the expanded Myer group,” Ms Wirth said.

“The reshaped team is aligned to our strategic vision to create a leading Australian retail platform, building on the strength of our brands with the fresh thinking and expertise of experienced . . . leaders.”

Her strategy involves growing Myer from having 56 outlets to 783 shops in Australia and New Zealand as part of its merger with the Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Jacqui E, Portmans and Dotti brands it acquired from Mr Lew’s Premier Investments.

Ms Wirth has also flagged her intention to expand the Myer One loyalty program — which already has 4.4 million active members — to hundreds of stores and a new pool of shoppers through the Apparel Brands.

The company on Friday also announced it would transition Myer-owned brands Sass & Bide, David Lawrence and Marcs to its Myer Exclusive Brands portfolio.