March
Rebellious robots and trapped stock: Inside Myer’s warehouse woes
Myer’s executive chairwoman Olivia Wirth is making reasonable progress on her turnaround of the retailer – but she’s got two problems.
Wirth reshapes Myer with sweeping changes to executive team
The department store told investors it had hired four new executives and was replacing its CFO as it takes control of Just Jeans and four other brands.
January
Six decades on, Solomon Lew sets Myer a $5b goal
The retail veteran is banking on big things from a department store icon that has been part of his life for 61 years.
Myer’s future written years ago, not in a Kroll report
Forget about independent expert Kroll’s thoughts on Australia’s retail market. Myer’s hard work is about to begin.
Why Myer’s big deal with Premier is not a get-out-of-jail-free card
Big is one thing, better is another entirely. What is Myer buying in Premier Investments’ apparel brands?
October 2024
This is the number that drove Myer to cut a deal with Solomon Lew
For years, the retailer has been slowly fading away under a small-target strategy. Olivia Wirth and Lew want to put growth back on the agenda.
September 2024
Wirth’s rescue plan for Myer is missing one big thing: growth
For much of the last decade, Myer’s strategy has been to accept its diminished place in the market and shrink itself in response. Olivia Wirth’s plan is very different.
Can Olivia Wirth right the three-decade drift at Myer?
The former Qantas executive has inherited the start of a turnaround at retail’s grand dame. But there is plenty more to do, starting with finding profit growth.
August 2024
Big discounting and store closures hit Myer’s bottom line
The department store has warned it will record a fall in sales when it publishes its financial results next month, as lower customer spending takes its toll.
July 2024
Solomon Lew’s surprise role model? Vegas mogul Sheldon Adelson
Like the colourful businessman, the billionaire rag trader won’t stop building his empire. And Myer, with a new chief, is finally playing ball.
June 2024
Myer outlines massive expansion plan with Just Jeans, Jay Jays buy
The department store has proposed acquiring several brands owned by Solomon Lew’s Premier Investments, its largest shareholder, in a bid to trigger growth.
May 2024
Why Olivia Wirth’s top Myer role is a governance fail
Myer’s decision to appoint Olivia Wirth as executive chair and CEO has stunned corporate governance experts but has the full support of Solomon Lew.
March 2024
Wirth’s dual role at Myer is tricky for good governance
Boardroom culture that supports open and honest discussions is far more important than whether the chief executive and the chairman are one and the same.
Why Brookfield wants Optus | Myer boss’ big test | Could AI be deflationary?
This week, James and Anthony examine what SingTel could gain from selling Optus, look at whether an ex-Qantas exec could grow Myer, and discuss two tectonic shifts in markets that will decide the next decade.
Olivia Wirth parachutes into Myer with a mission
Wirth faces a steep learning curve as Myer’s new executive chairwoman. But she has three things on her side – including the backing of Solomon Lew.
Former Qantas Loyalty chief executive Olivia Wirth to run Myer
She will assume the role of executive chairwoman at the Solomon Lew-backed retailer, which also announced a fall in its interim net profit on Thursday.
January 2024
Qantas names Olivia Wirth’s successor to run Frequent Flyer
Qantas promoted another “lifer” to run its lucrative frequent flyer business when Olivia Wirth departs the airline at the end of February.
October 2023
Qantas loyalty boss Olivia Wirth to depart, ex-PwC exec to head HR
Qantas will start the search for a new head of loyalty after former CEO contender Olivia Wirth said she would leave the airline in February.