Bunnings has undergone a major reorganization and exodus of senior management which the retailer says was not a cost-cutting measure.
The hardware giant announced the changes internally on Tuesday, marking the departure of four executives, including chief commercial officer Ben McIntosh.
Others include general manager of corporate affairs Maria McCarthy, information officer Leah Balter and merchandise director Jen Tucker.
CEO Mike Schneider insisted the staff departures were not part of a cost-cutting drive.
Bunnings CEO Mike Schneider (pictured) said the changes are a “retooling” rather than a restructuring.
‘I would have said that it is a remodeling, more than a restructuring. It’s certainly not a Telstra type thing,” Mr Schneider told the Australian Financial Review.
The Bunnings boss has been with the company for 19 years, eight of which have been at the helm.
Schneider rejected any rumors that the move was part of a succession plan for when he eventually leaves office.
“I’ve got really solid plans, I’m a Bunnings man through and through,” he said.
Balter will remain on board to work for the hardware chain and its parent group Wesfarmers on strategic artificial intelligence projects.
Bunnings management reorganization aims to bring commercial and customer teams closer together
Several other changes were also announced internally on Tuesday.
Bunnings chief customer officer Ryan Baker has been named chief operating officer, while current chief financial officer Rachael McVitty will become chief customer officer.
Michael Howard, currently working at Wesfarmers after a 16-year career at Officeworks, has been appointed finance director with effect from 1 July.
Schneider said the senior management reorganization was designed to bring the commercial and client teams closer together.
“We want to stay focused on customers,” he said.
Bunnings operates 387 stores across Australia with a workforce of more than 55,000.
The hardware giant’s parent company, Wesfarmers, told investors earlier this month it was betting on new ranges, such as pets and cleaning products at Bunnings, to help drive growth.
Bunnings parent company Wesfarmers recently told investors they have new ranges to drive growth. Pictured is a Bunnings store.
