End of era: Roy Bagattini to retire as Woolworths CEO
This internal promotion signals continuity in Woolworths’ premium retail strategy across food, fashion, beauty and beyond in Africa and Australia.
SOUTH AFRICA – Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) has announced a key leadership transition with Sam Ngumeni appointed as the new Group CEO, succeeding Roy Bagattini, effective 1 June 2026.
Bagattini will step down as CEO and executive director on 31 May 2026, but will remain involved until his full retirement at the end of September 2026 to ensure a smooth handover.
The board selected Ngumeni after a thorough internal succession process, citing the company’s progress in strategic repositioning as ideal timing for the change.
Bagattini assumed the Group CEO role in February 2020 and led through challenges like retail disruptions.
Ngumeni, with nearly 30 years at WHL, will leverage his deep experience during the handover period.
Under Bagattini, WHL divested its struggling Australian David Jones department stores, reduced debt, and boosted investments in South African core operations.
Key achievements include acquiring Absolute Pets, launching Woolworths Ventures for growth, initiating the first share buyback, and repositioning apparel businesses in South Africa and Australia.
Bagattini expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and confidence in the company’s future.
Ngumeni has served as CEO of Woolworths Food since July 2024, delivering consistent above-market growth and strengthening its premium position in South Africa’s grocery sector.
His prior roles include Group Chief Operating Officer, overseeing stores, online, supply chain, IT, data analytics, real estate, and African operations—plus Group Director of HR & Transformation and CEO of Woolworths Financial Services.
WHL Chairman Clive Thomson praised Ngumeni’s strategic execution, stating, “Sam has extensive experience across various roles and functions within the group and a proven ability to set clear strategic priorities and execute effectively.”
“His institutional knowledge, commercial acumen and strong capability to drive performance will be invaluable as the group intensifies execution in a rapidly evolving retail environment,”
The transition aligns with WHL’s intensified focus on capital discipline, long-term growth, and execution amid rapid retail changes, building on recent financial gains like improved headline earnings.
Ngumeni described the role as an honour, emphasizing responsibility in steering the next growth phase.
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