Woolworths Group has selected two of its highly experienced executives to key leadership positions in the group’s liquor and hospitality business, should it be eventually be demerged from the business.
Steve Donohue, managing director of Endeavour Drinks, has been selected to lead the proposed Endeavour Group as chief executive, alongside former group deputy chief financial officer Colin Storrie, who was named elect chief operating officer and CFO.
“Both Steve and Colin are highly experienced executives and have held key leadership roles across Woolworths Group in food, drinks and hospitality,” Woolworths Group chairman Gordon Cairns said.
“With their in-depth knowledge of the industry and deep understanding of the business, they’re ideally placed to oversee the next phase of growth for Endeavour Group, while also sustaining and building on our existing partnership.”
Donohue began his career with the group at 19, as a store manager in Dan Murphy’s, before progressing into senior buying, merchandising and marketing roles across the liquor businesses. He was also the director of buying and merchandising for Woolworths Supermarkets prior to his current MD role.
Storrie has been working with Woolworths Group since 2015 when he was appointed group deputy CFO. He later moved on to the MD position of group portfolio businesses.
The latest appointments follow the selection of Peter Hearl as the proposed chairman-elect of Endeavour Group.
Last month, Woolworths shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favour of the first stage of plans to spin-off its liquor and hospitality businesses as Endeavour Group
The proposed roles will only take effect if the board ultimately decides to demerge the business.
Endeavour Drinks has been bolstering its portfolio in recent months, with the acquisition of leading McLaren Vale winery Chapel Hill prompting the creation of a new wine division, and the purchase of a majority stake in corporate drinks business, Shorty’s Liquor.
