Woolworths realigns leadership structure under CEO Sam Ngumeni
The move is meant to sharpen accountability, speed up decision-making, reduce duplication, and make the group more agile and execution-focused.
SOUTH AFRICA – Woolworths Holdings has announced a leadership and operating-model reset under new Group CEO Sam Ngumeni, effective from 1 July 2026, to support the organisational changes.
The company says the redesign reflects Ngumeni’s view that the current operating model has not kept pace with Woolworths’ ambition.
The core principle is that accountability should sit closer to where execution happens, so decisions can be made faster and with less ambiguity.
The reset follows leadership changes, including the departure of Spencer Sonn, outgoing Chief Customer Officer, and Nuholt Huisamen, outgoing CEO of FBH, both of whom leave with thanks for their contributions.
Several business areas are being reorganized under new leaders. The Food Division will be led by Chan Pillay, formerly Commercial Director for Food, now appointed CEO of Woolworths Food.
The Fashion, Beauty and Home division will be led by Manie Maritz, currently CEO of Woolworths Ventures, who has agreed to defer retirement and take charge of FBH during this transition.
Operations, including supply chain, logistics, retail operations, stores, real estate development, and the Rest of Africa network, have been consolidated into one division with a new Chief Operating Officer role filled by Bradley Nitsckie, formerly Chief Supply Chain Officer.
Woolworths is also combining online, IT, data and analytics, artificial intelligence, and cyber security into a single Digital and Technology Division.
Christie Koorts has been appointed Chief Digital and Technology Officer, after previously serving as Chief Information and Technology Officer.
Because of the brand’s importance, Woolworths has created a Chief Marketing Officer role.
Marketing now includes sustainability and loyalty, and Simphiwe Pato, formerly Director of Brand and Marketing, has been appointed Interim Chief Marketing Officer.
Woolworths Ventures is being folded into the core business after completing its incubation role.
Under the new structure, WEdit moves into FBH, WCellar moves into Food, and Absolute Pets will continue to report to its own board.
Food Services, including WCafé and Now Now, will move into the Strategy portfolio, with Chris Brikkels, current Head of Strategy Execution for Food, appointed as WHL Director of Strategy.
Some leadership areas remain unchanged. Finance continues under CFO Zaid Manjra, People under Group People Director Melanie Naidu, Governance, Risk and Compliance under Chantel Reddiar, and Country Road Group under CEO Steven Cook.
Woolworths says the new structure will simplify operations, eliminate duplication, and realign portfolios. The company expects the changes to support stronger trading momentum and more efficient operations across the group.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.
