Retailer Woolworths Group has confirmed that Sam Ngumeni will become its next chief executive officer, taking over from current CEO Roy Bagattini in June, the company announced on Thursday (12 March 2026).

Bagattini’s exit follows the retailer’s recent financial results, which showed interim headline earnings per share climbing to 167.4 cents for the 26 weeks ended 28 December 2025. The growth was largely supported by strong festive-season consumer spending. Woolworths also pointed to continued momentum in several strategic initiatives, improved performance in its clothing division and sustained above-market growth within its food business.

The group is now preparing for a leadership handover ahead of Bagattini’s retirement later this year. Bagattini, who took up the role of group CEO in February 2020, will step down as chief executive and executive director at the end of May but will remain with the business until the end of September to assist with the transition.

In a statement, the company said the board believes the timing is appropriate for a leadership change following progress in repositioning the Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) group and as Bagattini approaches retirement.

After conducting a thorough succession process, the board selected an internal candidate, Sam Ngumeni, who will assume the role of group CEO from 1 June 2026. Ngumeni has spent close to three decades with the company and currently heads the Woolworths Food division.

He took over as CEO of the food business in July 2024 and has overseen the unit’s ongoing above-market growth, helping to reinforce its competitive standing in the grocery sector.

Before that, Ngumeni served as the group’s chief operating officer, where he managed several key functions across South Africa, other African markets and Australia. His responsibilities included oversight of stores, e-commerce operations, supply chain, IT, data and analytics, as well as property and the broader African business.

Woolworths chairman Clive Thomson said Ngumeni’s long tenure with the retailer and wide-ranging leadership experience make him well suited to guide the group through its next phase.

“Ngumeni has held a variety of senior roles across the organisation and has consistently demonstrated the ability to define clear strategic priorities and deliver on them,” Thomson said. “His deep understanding of the business, strong commercial insight and track record of driving performance will be critical as the group accelerates its strategy in a rapidly changing retail landscape.”

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