Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) is delighted to announce the appointment of Zyda Rylands to the new role of CEO of Woolworths South Africa. Zyda will take responsibility for the entire Food and Clothing business across South Africa and Africa.

This change now brings consistency to the WHL Group structure, with all of the main business units, namely Woolworths South Africa, David Jones and Country Road Group as well as the Group positions of COO, CFO and Group Secretary reporting into Ian Moir, Group CEO.

Zyda has worked in many parts of the Woolworths business including Finance, HR and Operations during her 20 year career with the business. Under her leadership, Woolworths Foods has transformed into a sizeable foods business with a reputation for quality, innovation and sustainability.  Since Zyda’s appointment, Woolworths Foods has seen 83% growth in turnover as well as a 240% growth in profit.

“Zyda is a talented and inspirational retailer and leader and has delivered consistently strong results as MD of our Foods business – growing both market share and margin whilst understanding and anticipating our customers’ needs,” said Ian Moir.

“This year has been transformational for our Group with the acquisition of David Jones turning us into a southern hemisphere retailer of scale. Ensuring each major business has a CEO who is clearly focussed and responsible for driving growth and profitability, will better position us to deliver our strategic objectives.”

Zyda 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.”