Endeavour Group has selected Tim Poole as the next independent chair of its board, the Australian liquor retail and drinks business announced today (18 February).
Poole will succeed Duncan Makeig, the lead independent director who stepped in as interim chair in August following the resignation of Ari Mervis in August.
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Mervis left after “disagreements with the board”, having been elevated to executive chair in February 2025 following the departure of CEO Steve Donohue in March.
The group, which owns drinks retailer Dan Murphy’s and wine group Paragon Wine Estates, described Poole as an “experienced leader, investor and company director” with roles across ASX-listed and private company boards.
Commenting on the appointment, Makeig said: “Tim has significant board leadership and stakeholder management capability and a proven track record leading through change.
“Having previously led large organisations he is well placed to lead the board and support management through a period of significant strategic transformation.”
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By GlobalDataPoole is currently the non-executive director at The Lottery Corporation.
His recent board roles include non-executive chair positions at freight rail transport group Aurizon Holdings.
His executive background also includes time as a senior manager at accounting firm PwC.
Poole said: “I am looking forward to joining the Endeavour board and supporting the management team to improve, develop and maximise the value of Endeavour’s outstanding portfolio of businesses and assets.”
Jayne Hrdlicka was named Endeavour’s new CEO in May last year. She will take the reins of the business in March.
In a trading update detailing the company’s results for the first half of its 2026 financial year, Endeavour booked 1% growth in group sales, at A$6.7m.
