Sally sails into sunset after long stint at retailing giant

Super Retail Group chair Sally Pitkin may have exited the business at a controversial time, but no one can argue her long tenure has not seen some incredible growth.

Sally Pitkin stands down as chair of Super Retail Group. Pic Peter Wallis

Super Retail Group chair Sally Pitkin may have exited the business at a controversial time, but no one can argue her long tenure has not seen some incredible growth.

It was pointed out at the company’s annual general meeting last week that Pitkin joined what was then a relatively small company as a director 14 years ago with around 6000 team members and sales of less than $100m.

Now the group, which operates out of a sprawling campus at Strathpine north of Brisbane, has four iconic brands, over 16,000 team members and sales of almost $4bn.

Pitkin. who was named chair in 2017, also had seen the company through some challenging times, most notably the Covid-19 pandemic. The share price has risen from around $5 to almost $15 during her time on the board. Pitkin (illustrated) told shareholders that it “has been an absolute pleasure to serve” as chair and director.

Sally Pitkin stands down as chair of Super Retail Group. Pic Peter Wallis

“And although my term has finished, I look forward to continuing to visit stores, to engage with team members and to hear their stories,” she said. “And you never know, I may even have time to get through that stockpile of car cleaning products, and start washing the car.” Pitkin has been replaced by Judith Swales who joined Super Retail in 2021 as a non-executive director after stints on the boards of Virgin Australia, Dulux Group and Fosters. She also was managing director of Heinz Australia and chief executive of Goodyear Dunlop in Australia.

Swales unfortunately has been left to deal with the ongoing fall out of bullying allegations levelled against the firm, which is now the subject of what could be a costly court case.

Pitkin revealed last week that the company had tried to settle “on reasonable terms” with two former executives-turned-whistleblowers over the workplace and sex scandal that has engulfed the retailer, but failed to reach a “reasonable” deal.

Trash or treasure

The annual kerbside clean-up around Brisbane allows householders to get rid of a few pieces of junk – maybe a broken chair or worn out sofa.

But in up-market Hamilton the definition of junk appears to have a different meaning. City Beat spies spotted a luxury spa complete with pumping equipment discarded on the footpath in Kitchener Rd on Monday waiting for collection. Better be quick if you want to nab it as it will make a nice addition to anyone’s back deck.

The spa left for collection at Hamilton this week. Picture: Glen Norris.

15th birthday

First Asset Management has chalked up 15 years in the business, a milestone that has seen major shifts in the property landscape.

Founded in 2009, the company has gone from a small team managing shopping centres in Daisy Hill, Springwood, and Holland Park to one of Queensland’s largest privately owned asset management businesses.

Managing director Angelo Efstathis says the firm has navigated significant market changes—starting with the challenges of the Global Financial Crisis, adapting through the Covid-19 pandemic and more recently addressing the pressures of rising costs of living.

Ringing Bell

Kudos to Translational Research Institute chief executive Professor Scott Bell, who has been elected fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS), in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the profession.

Bell commenced at The Prince Charles Hospital in 1996, where he established the Lung Transplant program, secured statewide centre status for the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre and was its director from 1998 until 2016. A career highlight has been his leading role in developing a new global blueprint for the care of people with cystic fibrosis.

Professor Scott Bell.

Originally published as Sally sails into sunset after long stint at retailing giant