Endeavour Group has selected Tim Poole as its next chairman, 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.

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.”

Poole 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 took up the role last month.

In the first half of its 2026 financial year ended 4 January, Endeavour booked 1% growth in group sales, at A$6.7bn ($4.4bn)

Sales from the company's Dan Murphy's and BWS liquor store businesses, which sit in Endeavour's retail division, were flat at A$5.4bn.

Sales in the Specialty segment of the group's retail division, which includes its alcohol distribution and wine arm Pinnacle Drinks, slid 16.2% in the first half to A$109m.