Woolworths appoints new CEO

Woolworths Holding Limited has appointed Zyda Rylands (pictured) as the new CEO of Woolworths South Africa, responsible for the company’s entire food and clothing business across South Africa and Africa.
 
Rylands said: “I am incredibly excited by this opportunity. Our strategy is clear in South Africa and Africa and I am very much looking forward to leading such an amazing brand and talented group of people.”
 
“Zyda is a talented and inspirational retailer and leader and has delivered consistently strong results as managing director of our foods business – growing both market share and margin whilst understanding and anticipating our customers’ needs,” said Ian Moir, Woolworths Holding Limited Group CEO.
 
Prior to her appointment as the CEO of Woolworths South Africa, Rylands worked in the finance, human resources and operations departments during her 20 years with the company.
 
Rylands was previously in the role of foods managing director, during which time Woolworths Foods experienced an “83% growth in turnover as well as a 240% growth in profit.”
 
Last week, Woolworths announced that it will be removing all sweets and chocolates from its checkout aisles. However, a timeline for this change has not yet been provided. (Click here to read more)