Woolworths named on Monday the new leader of its food, liquor and petrol divisions with current Big W general manager Greg Foran set to take over from Naum Onikul by the end of the year.
Mr Foran now stands in line as the successor to Woolworths’ chief executive Michael Luscombe, according to The Australian Financial Review.
“This will be a seamless and positive leadership transitions for Woolworths, highlighting the strength and depth of the business's succession planning and internal retail talent,” Mr Luscombe said.
The leadership shuffle came just before the announcement today of Woolworths’ first quarter sales figures, which rose 9.6 per cent.
The retailer, number one in Australia, claimed market share from arch-rival Coles for the rise, which pitched sales to A$12.8bn in the 14 weeks ending 5 October.
Woolworths shares have been one of the few points of firm ground on the ASX over the last few weeks. The company’s stock rose 1.1 per cent on the announcement of their sales rise today.
