Cape Town - WHL Australasia announced on Wednesday two key appointments completing the formation of its Australasian regional management team and the implementation of its new regional structure.
As previously announced, the new regional structure provides a singular management platform for WHL’s Australasian businesses, David Jones and Country Road Group, headed by regional Chief Executive Officer, John Dixon.
David Thomas, currently chief operating officer, WHL Australasia has been appointed CEO of David Jones, effective immediately. Thomas will report to John Dixon, CEO of WHL Australasia.
Karen Lonergan has been appointed chief people officer WHL Australasia with responsibility for human resources across the Australasian businesses, commencing in November 2017.
Lonergan has over 25 years of experience in people and culture roles within the retail, transportation, and FMCG sectors including leadership roles with Woolworths (Australia) and Qantas Group.
“These appointments complete our transition to a single regional corporate structure and support the ongoing delivery of key transformation milestones across our business," said Dixon.
"The creation of a single regional corporate structure enables us to maintain the independence of our brands whilst creating business-wide centres of operational excellence. I look forward to the contribution of David in his new role and welcome Karen to the group.”
WHL Australasia also announced that Paula Bauchinger, group executive human resources of David Jones will be leaving the business after 18 years.
She has resigned for family reasons and will continue in her role until January 2018. A search process to replace her has commenced.
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