Former Myer boss Richard Umbers joins Kaufland

Former Myer CEO Richard Umbers is now at Kaufland, ahead of the German giant’s Australia launch.

Richard Umbers, when he was CEO at Myer. Pic: David Geraghty

Former Myer chief executive Richard Umbers has taken up a role with Kaufland, as the German-headquartered supermarket giant prepares to launch in Australia.

“I can confirm that Richard Umbers is working for Kaufland, and is based at our headquarters in Germany,” a spokesperson for the company said.

“He is responsible for part of the international buying and sourcing operations, and while not directly involved in our launch into Australia, we are grateful for his experience and knowledge of this market.”

The appointment comes after Kaufland, led locally by Julia Kern, hired former Woolworths and Metcash executive Mark Hewlett as chief operating officer for its Australian operations.

Mr Umbers, a former British Army officer, was axed from Myer in February last year following a string of profit warnings, as the embattled department store, which had endured two decades of shrinking sales and profits, attempted a turnaround strategy.

Mr Umbers had worked at Australia Post prior to joining Myer, building the parcels business and online channel.

Kaufland, which has more than 1230 stores in Europe, is set to enter Australia’s $90 billion grocery sector after it secured planning approval for its first three supermarkets and a new distribution centre in Victoria last month.

Kaufland is owned by Schwarz Group, which is the fourth biggest retailer in the world.