New Myer chairman Garry Hounsell says he is not afraid of a fight. Nicknamed "Bruiser" for his reputation as a tough negotiator in the boardroom, the veteran director's experience on the corporate battlefield will come in handy as he oversees Myer's efforts to adapt to the toughest retail conditions in history.

Hounsell, who this year led the defence of services giant Spotless Group against an unwanted takeover bid from Downer EDI, could eventually find himself standing up to billionaire retailer Solomon Lew, who is lurking on the Myer register.