Queen Victoria Market chief Malcolm McCullough quits after just 14 months

QUEEN Victoria Market chief executive Malcolm McCullough has quit after just 14 months in the job and as the market prepares for a major redevelopment.

There is a $650 million plan to revamp the Queen Victoria Market. Picture: Michael Klein

QUEEN Victoria Market chief executive Malcolm McCullough has quit after just 14 months in the job and as the market prepares for a major redevelopment.

Market chairman Paul Guerra confirmed the resignation late yesterday.

Staff were advised earlier in the day of the shock exit.

“Malcolm has decided the time is right for him to move on following the completion of a new retail plan for the market,’’ Mr Guerra said.

In the past four years, the market has had three board-appointed and two acting chief executives. The latest shake-up comes as the market is poised to have its biggest change in its 139-year history with a $650 million plan to revamp the precinct.

Malcolm McCullough.

The future of the market remains in limbo while Planning Minister Richard Wynne considers the Town Hall proposal.

The market board will soon start the search for a replacement for Mr McCullough who began on May 9 last year, taking over from Jan Cochrane-Harry.

Mr McCullough came to the job with more than 30 years’ retail experience including executive roles at Bunnings, Coles and the Murray-Goulburn Co-operative.

The city council wholly owns the market which has been operating at the site since 1878.

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