Retail drinks and hospitality business Endeavour Group (ASX : ADV) has tapped ex-Woolworths and aviation executive Jayne Hrdlicka to become its new managing director and chief executive officer starting 1 January next year.
Hrdlicka, a seasoned executive with a strong track record of leading major Australian consumer businesses, will take the helm to steer the company’s strategic growth and transformation away from Woolworths as its own entity.
Endeavour owns liquor brands Dan Murphy's and BWS, which Hrdlicka is no stranger to, having served as a non-exec director of Woolworths between 2010 and 2016 in a period that included exposure to Endeavour Group's liquor brands and the ALH Hotel Group.
Wealth of experience
Hrdlicka’s most recent role was Group CEO of Virgin Australia, where she successfully steered the airline out of administration and restored profitability, achieving a record EBIT margin of 14.4% in H1 FY25.
Her career began as a management consultant at Bain & Company in the U.S. and Australia, rising to Senior Partner. Other career highlights include:
- Advised Woolworths from 1999 to early 2004 as a strategic consultant
- Served as CEO of Jetstar
- Led Qantas Loyalty as CEO
- Managing Director and CEO of The a2 Milk Company (ASX: A2M)
Hrdlicka is also the current chair of Tennis Australia, overseeing the sport’s national development and managing the Australian Open, one of the world’s premier sporting events.
Ari Mervis will continue as exec chair until the end of the year, while Hrdlicka has committed to engaging regularly with the board and leadership team during the transition.
Mervis says Jayne has a proven track record of leading consumer-facing businesses to success.
“She has led many complex organisations and delivered significant shareholder value by capturing the true potential of a companyʼs brands and assets,” Mervis said.
“Jayne brings many strengths to the role including a history of using deep consumer insights creating a more sociable future togetherʼ to define successful strategy formulation and execution and extensive business transformation experience.”
Commenting on her move, Hrdlicka said Endeavour Group was an extraordinary company with an unmatched portfolio of brands and assets in its core categories.
“I have a long history with Endeavourʼs retail and hotel businesses, initially as a consultant to Woolworths, including on their early liquor strategy, and then as a Woolworths Group board member," Hrdlicka says.
“Endeavour Group has much to play for. I look forward to working with the 30,000 team members and together, continuing to deliver for millions of valued customers as we look to grow the company and unlock value for all of our shareholders."
