Woolworths Boss to address NZ food industry leaders

Media release from NZ Food & Grocery Council

Media Advisory: Woolworths Boss to address NZ food industry leaders for first time

New Zealand food and grocery industry executives will this week gain insight from one of the most important business leaders in the multi-billion dollar Australia/New Zealand grocery sector.

This Friday, CEO Designate Grant O’Brien (Woolworths Limited Deputy CEO) will address members of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (FGC) at a business lunch as part of FGC’s 2011 Speaker Series.

This is the first time Grant O’Brien has visited New Zealand since the announcement that he will become Woolworths’ CEO next October, when he takes over from Michael Luscombe, who is retiring after an outstanding career in the industry.

“We are delighted that Grant has accepted our invitation to address the New Zealand industry. He is set to become one of the most influential executives in the food industry and our members are keen to hear his thoughts”, said Katherine Rich, CEO of FGC.

In his first speaking engagement in New Zealand, Mr O’Brien will reflect on the current challenges and opportunities facing the trans-Tasman retailer, the transformation of the Progressive Enterprises business and the next steps for growth. He will then be interviewed by the highly respected broadcaster, Mr Ian Fraser, who will talk with Grant about his background and career, his views on the New Zealand market and the ongoing investment programme, the current competitive market, and his vision for the multi-billion dollar trans-Tasman grocery sector.

At the event the Food & Grocery Council will also be paying tribute to the retiring Managing Director of Progressive Enterprises, Peter Smith.

WHAT: Woolworths Limited Deputy CEO and CEO Designate will address the New Zealand food and grocery industry.

WHO: Grant O’Brien, Deputy CEO and CEO designate, Woolworths Limited

WHEN: Friday 24 June 2011, 12:00pm lunch for a 12:50pm start
RSVPs are essential

WHERE: Villa Maria, 118 Montgomerie Road, Mangere, Auckland.

VISION/AUDIO: Audio patching will be available for the speech / interview.

About Woolworths Limited
Woolworths Limited is made up of some of the most recognisable and trusted brands in retailing serving millions of customers every day. As a group across Australia and New Zealand, Woolworths Limited has more than 3100 stores and more than 190,000 employees. The group’s retailing expertise stretches across food and grocery, liquor, hotels, petrol, general merchandise, home improvement and consumer electronics.
About the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (FGC)
FGC is an industry organisation that represents food and grocery manufacturers and marketers who supply to supermarket retailers.

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