After 30 years with the business, six of those as CEO, Steve Donohue says he is stepping down as CEO and managing director. Donohue and the board said it was “the right time” for a new leader.
Donohue was at the helm during the demerger of Endeavour from Woolworths Group in 2021. Prior to Endeavour he was the buying and merchandising director for Woolworths Supermarkets.
Donohue said “Six years after we created Endeavour Group and with the strategy and culture well established as an independent company, now is the right time for me to pass the baton on to the next leader.
“It has been an immense privilege to lead this company and to have been a part of this business for three decades.
“I take great pride in the achievements of the company during my time as CEO and thank everyone at Woolworths and Endeavour who has supported me over many years. Together, we have created the leading company for social occasions, with unrivalled brands and hospitality venues.”
Chair Ari Mervis said, “Steve is a rare CEO who rose from the shop floor to the top job, and he will leave behind a significant legacy with Endeavour Group.
“His passion and drive are known throughout the company as well as the broader industry.
“Steve has a track record of success through a range of roles, and I wish to pay special tribute to his leadership of the organisation and his passionate commitment to making Endeavour a success.”
Since the amalgamation of the joint venture between ALH Hotels Group and Endeavour Drinks to form Endeavour Group in 2018, and subsequently stewarding the demerger from Woolworths and the listing on the ASX in 2021, Donohue has led the company through its initial three financial years as a stand-alone entity.
Steve began as a summer casual in the second Dan Murphy’s store in Alphington Victoria in 1994, before quickly rising through the ranks to take on a range of leadership roles across Endeavour Drinks and Woolworths Group. He was appointed to lead the foreshadowed Endeavour Group in 2018, after which the Group formally demerged from Woolworths in June 2021 and joined the ASX in its own right.
Mr Mervis said “While Steve is remaining with the business as the CEO search progresses, on behalf of the Board I would like to extend my sincere thanks to him for his long service and commitment to Endeavour over many years.”
