Australian retail, wine and spirits brands major Endeavour Group has appointed Jayne Hrdlicka as its new CEO and managing director.
Hrdlicka will take the reins from Ari Mervis, who stepped in as executive chairman following the departure of former CEO Steve Donohue in March.
Donohue, who had served as CEO since 2018, announced his decision to step down in September.
Arvis was appointed as Endeavour’s new chairman in January, following shareholder tension at its AGM the previous October.
In a statement announcing Hrdlicka’s appointment, Endeavour said the move, intended “to deliver the company’s next phase of growth”, would take effect from 1 January 2026.
Until Hrdlicka officially takes on the role, she has agreed to be available to meet “frequently” with the business to support discussions on “key business and strategic matters”, Endeavour said.
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By GlobalDataCommenting on the news, Mervis said: “Jayne has a proven track record leading consumer-facing businesses to success. She has led many complex organisations and delivered significant shareholder value by capturing the true potential of a company’s brands and assets.
“The board believes Jayne is the ideal candidate to lead Endeavour Group through its next phase of both growth and transformation,” he added.
As CEO and managing director of airline business Virgin Australia, Hrdlicka oversaw the company’s recovery from administration following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her previous roles include CEO and managing director of the A2 Milk Company and Group CEO of Australian airline company Jetstar.
From 2010 to 2016, Hrdlicka was a non-executive director at Woolworths Group, which then housed various liquor brands of Endeavour Group and the ALH Hotel Group.
Reflecting on her appointment, Hrdlicka said: “Endeavour Group is an extraordinary company with an unmatched portfolio of brands and assets in its core categories.
“I have a long history with Endeavour’s retail and hotel businesses, initially as a consultant to Woolworths, including on their early liquor strategy, and then as a Woolworths Group board member.”
The retailer, drinks producer and hotel business was established in 2018, following the merger of ALH Hotel Groups and Endeavour Drinks.
Endeavour’s drinks portfolio includes Australian and New Zealand winemakers Paragon Wine Estates, wine, beer and spirits distributor Pinnacle Drinks and Australian fine wine retailer Langtons.
The group also owns the Australian liquor store chains Dan Murphy’s and BWS, among other retail and hospitality brands.
