Endeavour Group has made several changes to its executive team, including appointing Benjamin Ward as Dan Murphy’s managing director, Catriona Larritt as the newly created chief customer officer, and new chief digital and legal officers.
The company stated the changes will support the implementation of its refreshed business strategy as profits creep back into growth.
Previously the managing director of Supercheap Auto, Ward brings over 25 years of retail leadership experience to the role at Dan Murphy’s, effective from 27 January 2026.
His appointment follows Agi Pfeiffer-Smith stepping down from the company after five years with Endeavour Group. She will remain in the role until the end of March, with the company stating this will ensure a focus on trading for the important festive period, and enable a smooth leadership transition.
The newly created role of chief customer officer aims to integrate marketing, customer insights, digital, ecommerce, data & AI, and loyalty to strengthen the company’s refreshed customer strategy and focus. Larritt will join Endeavour Group in this position on 27 January, from her current role as Qantas chief customer and digital officer.
Brendan Sweeney will join Larritt’s team as chief digital and data officer on 19 January, and Jill Henderson will take on the role of chief legal officer from 24 November.
Endeavour Group interim CEO, Kate Beattie, said the company’s strategy refresh is progressing well and reinforcing confidence in the underlying strength of the business and its brands.
“We are excited about the opportunities ahead, and to drive the execution of the strategy in the new year we are pleased to welcome these experienced executive leaders to the Endeavour Group team,” said Beattie.
Beattie is acting in the role until 1 January, when Jayne Hrdlicka will take over as managing director and CEO of Endeavour Group – more than a year after Steve Donohue’s decision to step down last September, after 30 years with the company.
