Former Woolworths chief executive Michael Luscombe has died, aged 64.
Woolies said in a statement he was aged 64. Luscombe was recently diagnosed with Creutzfelt-Jakob disease.
“We are very saddened by the news and our thoughts are with Luscombe’s family as well as the many team members, past and present, who were fortunate to work closely with Luscombe during his 33-year career with Woolworths,” Brad Banducci, Woolworths Group CEO said.
Luscombe’s career with the supermarket giant spanned 33 years and he led the Group as CEO for over five years from 2006 to 2011.
“Luscombe made an enormous contribution to Woolworths throughout his long career, whether it was in his role as a management trainee in Victoria or as a managing director and CEO. His integrity and commitment set an excellent example to everyone at Woolworths and he provided great leadership to the business at a time of continued financial growth and strong shareholder return,” said Banducci.
“More importantly those who worked with him remember the importance he placed on people and as a result, he was able to achieve significant improvements in safety, workplace diversity, sustainability and community investment.”
Luscombe started his career with Woolworths as a management trainee in Victoria, worked his way through a variety of roles including store manager, training and development manager, area manager, Safeway Retail operations manager, senior category manager, Safeway merchandising and marketing manager, general manager Buying Long Life Products for Supermarkets, general manager Supply Chain, chief general manager Supermarkets, buying and marketing, director of Supermarkets and chief operating officer before he was appointed CEO in June 2006.
He was also a director and chair of the Australian National Retailers’ Association and a director of The Consumer Goods Forum, the peak global body for food/grocery retailers and manufacturers. He retired in September 2011.
Woolworths said he is survived by his wife Karen, children Matthew, James and Stephanie and six grandchildren.
