Wesfarmers to name Rob Scott as future MD

Rob Scott is expected to be named as the successor to Richard Goyder, CEO of Wesfarmers, at their results presentation on 15th February. Scott is currently MD of Wesfarmers Industrial Division, but only 12 months ago, no one would have tipped him for the top job.

In February, we'll find out exactly why chairman and previous Wesfarmers chief executive Michael Chaney has backed the highly personable and “very Wesfarmers like” Scott when he is named as deputy managing director.

It is now believed that former Bunnings boss John Gillam heard about the appointment in early December and as a result decided to resign from the business.

Read - Gillam steps down from Bunnings UK & Ireland Board

Goyder has been in the top job for the last 12 years and is now ready to hand over the reins, having transformed the business, including the $20 billion acquisition of Coles Supermarkets in 2008. Mr Goyder will remain in the top job for at least the remainder of the year to help guide Scott into the new position.

As reported previously Gillam will be available to help deliver Bunnings’ acquisition of Homebase, which is the company’s first big offshore investment outside of Australia and New Zealand.

Wesfarmers is hosting an analyst tour of the British stores in mid-March after the Treasury Wine Estate road show earlier in the month.

Source: Insight DIY Team

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