Weckert stamps her mark on Coles amid tumultuous year for supermarkets
Leah Weckert, one of The Australian Financial Review Business People of the Year for 2024, has fared well amid a barrage of criticism from politicians over grocery prices.
Coles chief executive Leah Weckert Weckert has focused on getting the right product, at the right price, at the right time on the shelf. David Rowe
As the first female chief executive of a big supermarket chain, Leah Weckert has stamped her mark on Coles, narrowing the gap between larger rival Woolworths, improving its online delivery service and calmly and methodically defending the retailer – and the industry – against a barrage of criticism from politicians over grocery prices.
The Adelaide-born Weckert took over the top job in May last year, succeeding Steven Cain. She held various roles at the retailer before ascending to the chief executive position, which placed her in good stead to weather the storm facing the big supermarkets. She knows the company inside and out.
Carrie LaFrenzSenior reporterCarrie LaFrenz is a senior journalist covering retail/consumer goods. She previously covered healthcare/biotech. Carrie has won multiple awards for her journalism including financial journalist of the year from The National Press Club. Connect with Carrie on Twitter. Email Carrie at carrie.lafrenz@afr.com
