The Warehouse Group Appoints Chair
01/08/2025 08:30 NZST, ADMIN
NZX | Market release – 1 August 2025
The Warehouse Group Appoints Chair
The Warehouse Group Board is pleased to announce that John Journee will take over as Chair of the Board at the conclusion of this year’s Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on 28 November 2025.
Mark Stirton has today assumed the Group CEO position and Mr Journee will in the intervening period until the ASM, resume his non-executive directorship role. Due to his recent responsibilities as Interim Group CEO, Mr Journee will not be considered an independent director.
Dame Joan Withers, Chair of The Warehouse Group, acknowledged Mr Journee’s leadership during a pivotal time for the business. “John made immediate and effective changes to the Group’s operating model, strategy and cost structure during his time as Interim CEO, initiating the Group’s turnaround. His appointment as Chair ensures strong continuity of leadership as the Group enters its next phase of transformation and growth,” said Dame Joan.
Mr Journee brings over 30 years of retail experience, including 15 years with The Warehouse Group in various leadership roles. He has served on the Board since 2013 and was previously CEO of Noel Leeming. He is currently a member of the Group’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Committee, Disclosure Committee, and Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee.
“It is an honour to be appointed Chair,” said Mr Journee. “My passion for our brands, team, customers and shareholders has only deepened during my time as Interim CEO. There is much work to do at pace to deliver long-term value to shareholders, and I look forward to continuing to support this work to build a stronger business.”
“On behalf of the Board, management and our team, we extend our sincere thanks to Dame Joan Withers for her exceptional leadership and governance as Chair since 2016. Over that time the business has transformed and navigated significant economic uncertainty, disruption and market pressure. Dame Joan’s decisive leadership and unwavering support has been instrumental in getting the business back on the right track ahead of her departure,” said Mr Journee.
Dame Joan Withers reflected on her time as Chair, “Over the past nine years, the Group has undergone significant change and faced periods where we have enjoyed profitable growth, but we have also experienced substantial challenges. It has been an extremely difficult last few years and I am deeply saddened that shareholders have been profoundly impacted as we have navigated the wider economic environment and had to pivot away from some of the strategic choices that the Group embarked upon. It has been a privilege to serve as Chair, and I am extremely confident that John, Mark and the leadership team are now focusing on the critical value drivers for the business and are well positioned to take the business forward.”
Ends
For media queries please contact:
Lizzie Havercroft
General Manager Corporate Affairs
+64 27 507 0613
lizzie.havercroft@twgroup.co.nz
For investor queries please contact:
Julia Belk
Investor Relations Manager
+64 21 240 8997
julia.belk@thewarehouse.co.nz
The Warehouse Group Limited
26 The Warehouse Way, Northcote, Auckland 0627