Big W has announced this morning that its Boss, Alistair McGeorge has resigned “for health reasons with immediate effect”, as reported by The Guardian.
The sudden resignation is the latest in a string of senior executives that have recently departed from the parent company – many under controversial circumstances.
While health reasons may be a factor in McGeorge‘s early leave from the company, it has also been indicated that there had been complaints regarding his behaviour.
A spokesman for Big W said: “The behaviour was verbal in nature. This complaint has been investigated and finalised and for legal reasons we are unable to make any further comment on this matter.”
The British Chief Executive will be succeeded by the current Director of Group Retail Services, Penny Winn until a permanent replacement is allocated. Earlier this year Winn announced that she intends to pursue a non-executive career, remaining at Woolworths until November.
Further, in the space of two weeks, the discount store chain lost two more executives, Chief Marketing Officer Tony Phillips and Jess Gill, the Director for Customer Experience, Brands and Formats. Following a drop in sales, Supermarkets Director Tjeerd Jegen and Supermarkets Finance Director Martyn Roberts have also resigned.
A Woolworths spokeswoman told Guardian Australia in a statement “There is a lot of change happening at Woolworths to ensure we keep delivering long term growth.
“We have capable teams across our organisation who are hard at work implementing the strategies announced at our Investor Day in May.
“Big W remains a much loved discount department store brand across Australia with a great team,” she said.
Talya Misiri
